AES_DECRYPT with active record

[eluser]ridley1012[/eluser]
Hi has anyone had experience with using AES_DECRYPT and active record. i've tried using the following line:

Code:

$query = $this->db->select("AES_DECRYPT(testing,'$key') as testing");

but continue to get an sql syntax error. I've tried using a manual standard sql string which works but would prefer to stick with active record if I can.