Fins Posted February 15, 2005 Share Posted February 15, 2005 Anyone know about using iron oxide for coloring. Is it safe to use? Does it affect pH... etc? I've done some experimentation with mixing some of the dye with silicon glue and sand. The colors and textures have turned out extremely well I am now ready to "decorate" my "rockwork" with this mixture. But, before I do, can anyone tell me if this dye is safe to use in this way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foai Posted February 15, 2005 Share Posted February 15, 2005 I don't speak from experience but only from my knowledge of studying chemistry at university. Iron Oxide is an extremely stable compound but when you intoduce it into water there will be some part of the iron that is converted into free iron (Fe2+). I doubt whether the iron will have too much effect on your fish but if you soaked your rock work for a week or so and then did regular water changes (2-3 times per week) once the iron oxide products are introduced I think your fish should be ok. David recently I made some caves by rolliing a piece of pvc pipe in silicon and then coating it with fine gravel - it also looks really good. Fish have been just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eaglebarret Posted February 15, 2005 Share Posted February 15, 2005 Speaking of silicon, what sort do you use?? i have had a look around and there are so many choices. Would you be able to give me some brand names that are good, that are suitable for using on rocks etc and will stay together underwater, as alot of silicons are not recommended for permenant water submersion, in this case the fish tank. Thanks Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FREAQ Posted February 15, 2005 Share Posted February 15, 2005 Eaglebarret For the silicone read the tube and make sure that it is aquarium safe, otherwise its bye bye fishies.. If anyone knows of specific brands they could tell you what they works well for them.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phatoscarlover Posted February 15, 2005 Share Posted February 15, 2005 look for the Selleys(spelling?) stuff, its a blue tube and says on the front "For glass & Aquairums" right underneath the brand name. Cheers Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ged Posted February 15, 2005 Share Posted February 15, 2005 Laterite which is a clay based rock from the tropic and sub-tropics contains large amounts of iron oxide. It is one type of substrate that is used in planted tanks as the laterite increases the cation exchange rate within the tank. The laterite stores the nutrients until the plants are able to use them. The iron oxide as far as I know has little affect on the fish within the tank. The chemical industry has developed synthetic oxides so you may have to read the label to find out if it is real deal. I have a book at work that may put some more light on the matter so I will add more tomorrow. Gerard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fins Posted February 15, 2005 Author Share Posted February 15, 2005 Thanks foai and Ged, sounds very promising Eagle, I use Selleys for glass, aquarium safe. Read the label, I think it even has a small picture of an aquarium on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YeW Posted February 15, 2005 Share Posted February 15, 2005 I also suspect fins that with a few "washes" the tank would have substantially less iron oxide in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Salita Posted February 15, 2005 Share Posted February 15, 2005 If it is the stuff used by concretors for stamping concrete. I think it would pay to be carefull. I just went and looked at my tub of "black" oxide(coloured iron oxide) I use for marking and it has chemicals(nitrobenzene) in it. I'm guessing to pad it out or make it cheaper to manufacture? If it sealed in silicone though , I'm not prepared to guess??? HTH, Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anchar Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Hi Dave (EB), Any acetic cure silicone is suitable for aquarium use. There are several brands available ...Selleys, GE and Dow Corning are common brands. Contractors grade will suffice unless you need a stronger bond..in which case use construction grade. Ed...I have used iron oxide to colour cement in aquariums and havenot had any problems. As has been mentioned, fill and drain your tank a few times to flush the excess. Also you can buy a Fe test kit if you want to check it before adding the fish. merjo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fins Posted February 16, 2005 Author Share Posted February 16, 2005 Ok thanks to all. You have all been so helpful. I love this forum Eddie: the stuff I have does not mention nitrobenzene at all. here's what it says on the container Australian Builders Oxide Powder is a resilient, high quality Iron Oxide. Australian Builders Oxide Powder has no added fillers, extenders or binders. It is free of soluble matter and never cakes or deteriorates. Its purity and fineness gives Australian Builders Oxide Powder maximum colour staining power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Salita Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 Yours sounds like the natural product. I didnt think about it till now, I get this stuff on my hands . I going to get some "Australian Builders Oxide Powder" Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucky Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 hey the best silicone ive found is rodersil v2 its sticks quick but so be carefull and dont quote me on spelling lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mianos Posted February 16, 2005 Share Posted February 16, 2005 hey the best silicone ive found is rodersil v2 its sticks quick but so be carefull and dont quote me on spelling lol I won't: Rhodorsil V2, Acetic Cure, High Performance Glazing Silicone by Rhodia St George uses this stuff and it's awsome. I have used it to repair live tanks. As long as the area you are glueing is 100% dry (i.e. clean it with metho and a fan) it will cure when exposed to humidity very quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucky Posted February 17, 2005 Share Posted February 17, 2005 yea i know what ya mean i use it on tank repairs and my mate builds tanks and its quick especially on hot days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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