How safe is concrete?

[Caitlyn]

I'm thinking about doing a diy background for my newt's tank. It involves concrete, but would concrete be too rough for my newt to haul out on/climb on? He is a chinese warty newt. & if concrete/grout is acceptable, what kind of environment should I make? Slate like formations with lots of rock caves etc or something more like an underwater tree?

Basically more like a) diy aquarium background - Google Search

Yet more hiding places under the roots

Or more like rocky b) diy aquarium background - Google Search

Trying to make this as natural as possible! :) I would love any input/opinions!

[Jennewt]

The roughness wouldn't be a problem. But concrete will affect the pH of the water in the tank (making it more alkaline). I wouldn't use it.

[Cliff]

I wouldn't use it - unless it was properly sealed with an aqauaria/Amphibian safe sealant first (I would also want it to be a matte sealant rather than a glossy one)

A bit of googling should bring up a safe sealant available near you!

[Caitlyn]

I have no concerns with pH/leeching problems. I just wanted to know if it was too rough (which now i know) and what habitat was most natural for chinensis, since I couldn't find it online.