Is quarts countertop reef safe?

ReefPharmer · 02/15/2020, 03:26 PM

Odd question I know but I’m trying to prop up my skimmer . I have some left over slab pieces of quarts countertop material. Can I use that to place the skimmer on? Thanks

Scrubber_steve · 02/15/2020, 05:47 PM

Let's consider this more closely.

Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. The atoms are linked in a continuous framework of SiO₄ silicon–oxygen tetrahedra, with each oxygen being shared between two tetrahedra, giving an overall chemical formula of SiO₂.

Also -

Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments.

So can any of the bench top materials disolve & leech into the water ?

kruler · 02/22/2020, 07:48 AM

It’s supposed to be non-porous and non-reactive (according to at least one manufacturer) but based on my experiences with it I might not trust it because of the resins used. Different brands and different colours have different amounts of resin. I had a piece completely change colour when exposed to heat. The manufacturer said that the resin reacted to the heat.

Four drachma · 02/22/2020, 12:21 PM

Man, I wouldn’t risk it, get a bio brick made for reefing, it’ll be a beneficial platform.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dmorty217 · 02/22/2020, 05:19 PM

make something out of eggcrate and pvc or acrylic sheet and rods

02/15/2020, 03:26 PM	#1
ReefPharmer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: los angeles Posts: 1,836	Is quarts countertop reef safe? Odd question I know but I’m trying to prop up my skimmer . I have some left over slab pieces of quarts countertop material. Can I use that to place the skimmer on? Thanks

02/15/2020, 05:47 PM	#2
Scrubber_steve I'm really very likeable Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Down Under Posts: 676	Let's consider this more closely. Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. The atoms are linked in a continuous framework of SiO₄ silicon–oxygen tetrahedra, with each oxygen being shared between two tetrahedra, giving an overall chemical formula of SiO₂. Also - Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 90% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 8-10% resins, polymers, and pigments. So can any of the bench top materials disolve & leech into the water ? __________________ Create a Concept & Reality Leaves the Room. Current Tank Info: Algae scrubbed.

02/22/2020, 05:19 PM	#5
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	make something out of eggcrate and pvc or acrylic sheet and rods __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

02/22/2020, 07:48 AM	#3
kruler Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Posts: 24	It’s supposed to be non-porous and non-reactive (according to at least one manufacturer) but based on my experiences with it I might not trust it because of the resins used. Different brands and different colours have different amounts of resin. I had a piece completely change colour when exposed to heat. The manufacturer said that the resin reacted to the heat.

02/22/2020, 12:21 PM	#4
Four drachma Registered Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 134	Man, I wouldn’t risk it, get a bio brick made for reefing, it’ll be a beneficial platform. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk