Reef Cement going orange (not submerged yet)

[Jackedwyer]

Hi all

I've recently completed my aquascape and cemented it into place. However, I've came back to look at it this morning and its turning orange? I haven't submerged it yet as best to leave it a day to cure... its nyos reef cement so should be made for the job right?

To me it's not so much the visual aspect it's more I'm worried itll leach something off into the tank?

 

[AZMSGT]

I would contact Nyos.

 

[TriggerFinger]

Did you use tap water? Maybe something in the water was pushed to the surface as it cured? Did you wear orange gloves?

 

[Jackedwyer]

Did you use tap water? Maybe something in the water was pushed to the surface as it cured? Did you wear orange gloves?

I did use tap what which probs wasnt the smartest thing I've done... for some reason I figured it'd be okay? I've contacted nyos to see if they can help but figured I'd ask if anyone has had anything similar happen and it be okay

 

[TriggerFinger]

It’s probably not a big deal, would have used tap water myself. I have hard water and the orange reminded me of the deposits I get around one of my faucets with a drip. Good idea to contact nyos. Is that the only part you cemented?

 

[Jackedwyer]

It’s probably not a big deal, would have used tap water myself. I have hard water and the orange reminded me of the deposits I get around one of my faucets with a drip. Good idea to contact nyos. Is that the only part you cemented?

That's a possibility to be fair? Ive done a little bit of googling and found it could possibly be oxidation from metals in the tap water but couldnt find anything solid giving a direct answer...

It's all around but some places are affected more others. The best way I can describe it is almost like a blotchy rash on the cement probs covering 70% of the cementing I done

 

[TriggerFinger]

Can you mix up a small batch with rodi and see what happens when it cures? Also let us know what nyos says please.

 

[Jackedwyer]

Slight update... Still haven't heard back from Nyos so will re email today but the rock seems to have gone even more orange? It's almost like its curing here...

I haven't got anymore cement to do another batch but wish I did!

 

[HB AL]

Rust from possible metals in cement would be my guess, especially since it seems to continue growing.

 

[Jackedwyer]

Hello Jack,

thank you for your mail. No problem with the color, it just depends on the amount of water you use. After it dries, it changes color and the drying time is also different depending on the amount of water you used.

So just go ahead, the product is 100% reef safe.

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That's the reply I got from Nyos after they saw my pictures for proof.

Thank you for everyones help on this

 

[TriggerFinger]

That’s great that you can still use it!