How is Aquaforest Stonefix different from Portland Cement?

[FranklinDattein]

Hi @Aquaforest,

does Stonefix have any advantage over regular Portland Cement?

I've recently purchased Stonefix, without much research and I assumed it was designed specifically for Reef Aquariums and therefore had advantages over regular Portland Cement.
While the product works and it was easy to work with, it appears that my assumptions were wrong and it basically performed like Portland Cement with limestone aggregate.
I am particularly concerned with the well know effects of Portland Cement, like very high pH and Chromim leeching and the fact the product page doesn't clearly state how dangerous those can ben. It has mentions to these two points, but in my opinion, it fails to warn the user of the impact and how to avoid these problems.
I've compared the pH raising effect, in buckets of water and it was pretty much the same as Portland Cement.

These two sentences were extracted from https://aquaforest.eu/en/product/stonefix/ and I think they are too vague, given the impact they may cause.
"The content of chromium (VI) does not exceed 2 ppm before the expiry date."
"Because of possible pH level raise, in tanks with livestock we recommend not to glue more than 2-3 pieces a day"

In my opinion, "2-3 pieces a day" is very misleading, provided cement will take weeks for its pH to come down from 11-12.
Also, how much is too much Chromium? Stating only that it has 2ppm just doesn't help the user make an informed decision on how much to use.

I hope you can shed some light on the topic.

Thanks

 

[HOOPDEEZ]

Bump

 

[Reefer5640]

Following.

 

[Aquaforest]

Hi @Aquaforest,

does Stonefix have any advantage over regular Portland Cement?

I've recently purchased Stonefix, without much research and I assumed it was designed specifically for Reef Aquariums and therefore had advantages over regular Portland Cement.
While the product works and it was easy to work with, it appears that my assumptions were wrong and it basically performed like Portland Cement with limestone aggregate.
I am particularly concerned with the well know effects of Portland Cement, like very high pH and Chromim leeching and the fact the product page doesn't clearly state how dangerous those can ben. It has mentions to these two points, but in my opinion, it fails to warn the user of the impact and how to avoid these problems.
I've compared the pH raising effect, in buckets of water and it was pretty much the same as Portland Cement.

These two sentences were extracted from https://aquaforest.eu/en/product/stonefix/ and I think they are too vague, given the impact they may cause.
"The content of chromium (VI) does not exceed 2 ppm before the expiry date."
"Because of possible pH level raise, in tanks with livestock we recommend not to glue more than 2-3 pieces a day"

In my opinion, "2-3 pieces a day" is very misleading, provided cement will take weeks for its pH to come down from 11-12.
Also, how much is too much Chromium? Stating only that it has 2ppm just doesn't help the user make an informed decision on how much to use.

I hope you can shed some light on the topic.

Thanks

Hello,
Stone Fix contain portland cement as you can read this at the label.
If there is no livestock in aquarium you can bond more elements but in aquarium where you have some corals and fish - jump of pH or chromium could be dangerous.

 

[FranklinDattein]

Hello,
Stone Fix contain portland cement as you can read this at the label.
If there is no livestock in aquarium you can bond more elements but in aquarium where you have some corals and fish - jump of pH or chromium could be dangerous.

@Aquaforest ,
thanks for the attention. Unfortunately, the answer is just as vague as the product page and doesn't inspire any confidence in using the product.

Personally, when I read "it contains Portland Cement" in an product designed for aquariums and no other warnings, my interpretation is that it contains safe levels for Aquarium use, the manufacturer has tested it extensively to make sure it is safe and to provide proper safety warnings.
I am pretty sure a largue percentage of users will be misled the same way.

It appears to me that Aquaforest is re-branding Portland Cement, not adding value and not properly warning users of the massive side-effects.

Until you rectify the product page with proper safety and usage information, I will be making sure people find this post and be warned that Stonefix is no safer than Portland Cement.

 

[Aquaforest]

@fsamir, thank you for expressing your concerns. We must assure you that Stone Fix was thoroughly tested both in our laboratory and in our aquariums. Let the Aquaforest logo be the testimony of the effectiveness and safety of the product. All the products we deliver to our customers are reef safe when used properly and according to the instructions.
Stone Fix surely contains Portland Cement – that’s exactly what we state both on the label and on our web page and as we value transparency the most – we were never going to hide it. Instructions on how to use the product were created keeping in mind safety of aquarium inhabitants and the product is safe when used properly.
If you used any of the products exactly as instructed and encountered problems – please let us know.

 

[weijietew]

@Aquaforest , after cementing the rocks, do you have any proven data how long does the structure will last ? one of my friend says his scape fall apart after 2 years in his reef tank.