Neutralizing Cement

[aquaarche]

I was wondering if anyone knows of a natural way to neutralize cement?

Is not cement Alkaline? if so would vinegar do good to neutralize it so it can been painted?

if it is acidic then could a baking soda bath neutralize it?

any Ideas?

[davidstcldfl]

Hi, Your correct...you'll need to seal it .

Here are a few links to give you some ideas....

a sealer used 'before' painting...
http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories ... -2-Gallons (http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3050/Concrete-Primer-2-Gallons)

epoxy paint....
http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories ... oxy-Paints (http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3048/Epoxy-Paints)

[foodchain]

Google and various reef forums tell you how to nuetralize cement. Reefers use it for making 'live rock'.
I have done this for years, and still practice it today.

NO you do not need to seal it. You need to allow it to fully cure, and 'age it'.......look up the reefer forums....one such here in DFW is DFWMAS.org....but just about every city has a version of this group.
Use your water testing equipment to moniter the PH, the PH levels will tell you when it's safe.
Good luck.

[urbanfarmer]

I have been debating cement or pond liner for my next build. I have about 4000 sq ft for my next system... I'm just brainstorming right now. I was going to use Stucco's method of using paraffin wax to seal the cement. Most people use hydrochloric acid to neutralize the cement surface, but a concentrated vinegar can do the trick (acetic acid).

[foodchain]

There's pros and cons both ways. I owned a koi pond company for while....the soft liners 'give' more and are more forgiving than concrete.
Which is better depends on what type of ground, and style pond. I have done both.
My next one will probably be concrete as well. But this is risky due to tree roots.