How can I colour some coral I have for my tank ? wot should I use ?

Question

I have some coloral which I'd like to put into my tank the problem with it is that it is white and I'd like to colour it, what can I use, what do the manufacturers use to colour the pink and yellow stones in gravel.

Answer 1

First, the previous answer is correct, only in unusual situations should you use coral at all in a freshwater tank.

Second, I wouldn't recommend coloring the coral yourself. It's not just a matter of using the proper materials but also of using the proper processes to adhear the colorants. It's not something the home aquarium keeper can do safely.

MM

Answer 2

Again stressing shells and corals should not be used in a fresh tank. with that said

Do you know the history of your coral Skeleton? very important here if you do not don't use it even if you paint it. Often coral skeletons are simply not safe. Most sea side shops spray their corals, as well as distributors with chemicals like bug sprays or perfumes and the new owner was unaware of this until they started having a problem in the tank. I'm very cautious about using coral skeletons unless you know the history of the coral

Epoxy paint and some water based latex can be used to dye your coral to various colors.

Using a watered down version 1 cup of paint to 3 cups of water and soak. Once you have aquired the desired color remove from the paint solution and rinse. If the coral fades lighter than you like, re soak in paint solution.

Once you have reached the desired color your coral need to be rinsed well (no color left in rinse water) and dried. (about 2 weeks) rinse well and add to your tank.

Again I do not recomend doing this if you are unsure of the history of the piece or if you are using fresh water. Although the paint will help encapsulate the calcium, this can change your PH levels in fresh water.

They do make a wonderful resin corals that are various sizes, chapes and colors that are fresh water safe.

Answer 3

Only use coral with fish that can tolerate it, as it can damage their skin. Its not suitable for goldfish or delicate fish.
Coral isn't dyed, it becaones that colour becaue of the algae that lives in it, when the algae dies it goes white.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=colour+coral+for+fish+tank&spell=1

Answer 4

You should only use coral in a marine tank,in a freshwater tank it will harden the water.