Painted rock

[Mike197]

Hello everyone,
A few weeks ago I was offered some free live rock from my lfs, it was donated from a long time customer who was downsizing his tank. This may sound really stupid, maybe I was just too excited about getting free rock, but once I got home I realized that the rock was painted purple. According to the employee at my lfs, he serviced the guys tank and apparently it was really healthy. So I assume the paint isn't toxic, but still, I don't love the idea of it. So I used a sanding tool that I have to remove all the paint from the rock. Do you think it's safe to put in the tank, or could there be leftover chemicals in the rock or something.

Thank you!
Mike

Pics are of it with and without paint

 

[Mikedawg]

If it is the CaribSea Life Rock product I wouldn't worry about using it; just be sure to rinse well. It is used by many reefers. May be a score.

 

[NPRW]

When I was researching methods of diy rock making I remember watching a video of a guy who used watered down acrylic to paint one of his rocks with no ill effects.
He tried primer, paint and settled with a mix of the two.
From what I gather those manufacturers (Caribsea, Walt Smith) just use PVC primer cement anyway.
Be good to see the science behind this!

I'd say you're good, just blast all the chips from the paint off, if you've already removed it.

 

[Jon Fishman]

How can you even tell that’s paint?’!?!?

 

[Peace River]

If the rock was actually painted then it would seem that it would seep into and fill the pores, but I am not seeing that in the pictures so I am a bit confused.

 

[Jon Fishman]

I just wonder if you blasted off years or algae growth

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hello,

Crazy question, sure it was paint and not coralline . Can’t tell from pix

 

[NPRW]

Guess I should've checked the pics!
Def looks like coralline, you even had some yellow!

 

[Mike197]

I just wonder if you blasted off years or algae growth

No it's definitely paint, I didn't take a pic of it, but on one rock you can see brush strokes and where they tried to mix colors.

 

[Mike197]

Guess I should've checked the pics!
Def looks like coralline, you even had some yellow!

I wish! Thats what I thought it was at first, but when I looked closer I saw brush strokes and places where colors got mixed. I also soaked one piece in a bleach/water mix for a week and the color didn't change, so if that was algae that should've killed it.

 

[Mike197]

If the rock was actually painted then it would seem that it would seep into and fill the pores, but I am not seeing that in the pictures so I am a bit confused.

I assume the guy didn't want to completely seal off the rock to prevent bacteria from living in it, which would make sense why he didn't cover the entire thing. Also he used a brush to paint some of it, which would make getting in every nook and cranny a pain.

 

[NPRW]

I wish! Thats what I thought it was at first, but when I looked closer I saw brush strokes and places where colors got mixed. I also soaked one piece in a bleach/water mix for a week and the color didn't change, so if that was algae that should've killed it.

Thanks for posting this! I use a sponge.
Will try some yellow in my next batch haha..

 

[reefwiser]

If this has been in a Aquarium for a while it will have flaked off any paint that did not bind to the rock. I have ceramic frag racks that where painted and over time it just flakes off and I just removed during a water change.