Concrete dust……

I get water in my basement and decided to install a sump pump – lots of digging and back breaking fun.

In all my infinite wisdom to protect my reef tanks and home from the pending mess I taped plastic to the walls and ceiling creating a 5 foot square working space. I am within 10 feet from my refugium and sump which are housed in the unfinished section of my basement. Well, after spending far too much time in preparation I made my first cut (oh, I am wearing a respirator) my visibility goes to zero ! I mean zero too – as in “holy crap” zero. I stood up and waited for the dust to settle and then made another cut, I had just finished my last cut when I realized I was in trouble. Didn’t feel right and was starting to black out….yup, ran out of air apparently right along with brains.

I had to get out quickly and a crap load of dust followed me. With some foresight I had covered both the refugium and tank with plastic just incase. Kind of hard to imagine anyone with experience here – but how bad do you think concrete dust in my systems might turn out to be? Most of my mess is still contained but fine dust particles are hard to stop so I am certain there will be something reaching my systems.

 

It depends on the concrete, but I doubt it will cause any issues. There are plenty of concrete mixes that are fine for use in aquariums. A little dust shouldn't be a problem.

 

If you're cutting concrete that is already cured, I would suspect it would be inert. Uncured concrete dust would affect your pH but I really think that you're fine.

 

he isnt fine, he needs a respirator. good way to scar your lungs up.

 

I believe that he said that he was wearing a respirator.

 

Hi - thanks, I was hoping it was inert and would not cause issues.

I wore my respirator and kept it on until I got outside. From what I can tell none got into the tanks that I can tell.

I am now chipping away the concrete floor and nearly about to remove the chunk of concrete – man what a project !

I will check my PH and monitor everything closely – thank you for the heads up on the PH. I am preparing water for a change now as well (weekend activity anywho).

Again, thanks for the feedback – good to post amongst friends to admit to my stupidity

 

Work Safely with Concrete and Cement