Making New Pots Aquarium Safe

[jewett]

I just purchased some terracotta pots to use as hides for some aquatic newts I will be receiving soon. These pots are a bit different from other terracotta I bought in the past in that they have been painted to look like a swirled basalt ( or so the label says) and I think they will look much more natural and pretty in my tank than plain orange terracotta.
My plan to make them aquarium safe is to first soak in water to soften in order to cut holes for hides. I then will let them dry for several days. I am planning to use a clear gloss fast-drying polyurathane spray made by Minwax after they dry to seal in whatever paint was used to give them that rock colored finish. I will then let the sprayed pots dry/ cure for a week and then soak them in a bucket of clean tap water with a mesh bag of activated carbon for a week. I hope after that they will be safe and ready for use.
So does all that sound about right? Should I modify or change any of the steps in my plan? I really like the looks of these pots but using them wont be worth it if I cant make them safe for my animals.
Thanks for your input folks!
Heather

 

[jewett]

PS Here is a link that shows what the pots look like. I don't think seeing them has any bearing on the topic at hand but thought I would share any way.

Standard Pot Half Display Pallet — Scan-Pot

 

[jewett]

*bump!*
Does any one have any input regarding this?
Thanks!

 

[Kaysie]

How does the poly hold up in aquatic settings? I'd be worried about it flaking off in time, negating the whole purpose.