Kilz primer possibly causing problems in my reef?

skinz78 · Nov 12, 2012

When I built my hood I constructed it out of 1"x1" old growth fir for the framing and skinned it wit wainscoting. I also painted the inside with Kilz primer to seal it up and to give it a bit of reflective coating. I just worked on my tank for about 2 hours and I noticed that around the rim the fir 1"x1" is starting to peel apart in the fibers and there is small chunks making it into my tank, they are covered in the Kilz.... I'm wondering if this is what may have triggered my algae problems that I'm fighting? By the looks of it it's been coming apart for quite some time...

Clearwater · Nov 12, 2012

Well I would say possibly. It may leach into the water if in there long enough. I would check your filter socks and turn them inside out and see if any are in there. Being wood it may float and go over the falls and into the sock. What sucks is sounds like you have a hood rebuild in the near future. Good luck

skinz78 · Nov 12, 2012

The fibers are really fine, like hair. I don't think I'd be able to see any in the socks.

skinz78 · Nov 13, 2012

Any other opinions?

fsu1dolfan · Nov 13, 2012

It's possible but i would think that it would cause other issues outside of algae....more on the toxic side of things. I truly don't know but any foreign chemicals always freak me out. You run carbon right?

mfinn · Nov 13, 2012

I would think that once the kilz dries it is inert like most paints.

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KILZBrands · Nov 14, 2012

Hello!

KILZ has mildewcides in it so there is a greater likelihood of toxicity to the critters than creating algae growth.

We recommend you get it out of there or paint over it.

Hope this helps!

skinz78 · Nov 14, 2012

Oh wow, totally unexpected to get a reply from Kilz, good to know and I'm thinking that next Friday is a redo day for the aquarium hood!

mfinn · Nov 14, 2012

I'm surprized too.

Also, I hate to say it, but I've used Kilz on many different stands and canopies.
Hopefully using a couple coats of a finish paint seals it in.

KILZBrands · Nov 15, 2012

Good luck on your project! Let us know if you have any other questions.

JMSKI333 · Nov 15, 2012

How awesome that Kilz Chimed in! Great customer service there!

skinz78 · Nov 15, 2012

Yes it is awesome!

BTW how did you know about this thread KILZ?

cdness · Nov 15, 2012

KILZBrands said:
Hello!

KILZ has mildewcides in it so there is a greater likelihood of toxicity to the critters than creating algae growth.

We recommend you get it out of there or paint over it.

Hope this helps!

WOW! Talk about awesome customer service. It looks like they registered for the site for the sole purpose of helping you out. This would mean they more than likely monitor the web for any mention of issues with their products and try to catch them where they can and help out. I don't think I have ever seen this from a company before and honestly I think it just made me a life long supporter of Kilz!

On another note, I used Kilz for my hood as well as I tried some bargain basement primer the last time. The Kilz did last much longer, but even being painted over with 3 coats of enamel paint the wood still sucked up moisture and is cracking. I'll be sanding it down again this coming summer and painting again. Either that or I'll start using plastic or composite parts for my canopies. It's the nature of having wood that close to a large amount of water I guess. Just need to keep it maintained.

bkoppes · Mar 25, 2013

I don't know if you still have problems since this thread is a few months old. I am wondering what kind of salt you are or were using when you started having hair algae problems? I wouldn't be surprised if you are using Red Sea Coral Pro. I just started a thread about the Hair Algae problems I am having. https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/re...d-sea-coral-pro-salt-causing.html#post1268485