I think I've heard about ships being sunk in strategic positions to start reef activity. Does that work well?

It almost sounds like it could be a bad idea for the environment.

I thought of those things, like some older paint contained lead, etc.

Also, I suppose it could happen "naturally" when ships go down accidentally without the chance to prepare them by removing fuel or toxic materials.

Speaking of shipwrecks, I watched a few episodes of "Sea Hunters" where divers would search wrecks. The author Clive Cussler was involved in that TV series.

I don't remember seeing any reefs near those sites. I suppose reefs are more likely to form just off the shore?

I think so too. I enjoyed what I saw of that on Sea Hunters.

It's so strange seeing an underwater camera showing cabins and passageways that have been submerged for decades. Although the ones on that show were often older wooden wrecks.

I've also heard of organized dives to sunken ships which have been used to form reefs.

So I have a question. if you were to put a ship that contained the same setup as a real one in your tank. With the lead paint and all, would it some how create corals?