Question: Paddle Tails and pH

[EifLadida]

I am keeping two paddle tail newts in a 10 gallon tank. I have a slab of "fake rock" in their enclosure, which I believe is made of concrete. Could the slab be interfering with the pH of the water? Any comments or stories would be appreciated.

 

[CherryBlossom]

My paddletails have bricks etc in their tank.... the amphibian specialist at our local store had said to me they are fine to use as long as they were soaked and rinsed etc for 24-48 hours. Not sure if it affects PH levels or not, but when I do water tests the PH levels are fine in both my tanks.

xxx

 

[EifLadida]

Thanks!

 

[Jennewt]

There is a big difference between bricks and concrete blocks! Bricks are made of kiln-baked (ceramic-like) material, and are thus inert. Cement is made with lime, and this can dissolve in small amounts in the water, causing the pH to go way up. Using concrete blocks is not safe. You should remove them and/or test the pH of the tank water ASAP.