Bricks Inside The Aquarium

[KrazyKuhli]

I'm planning my Future scape and want to go a bit different..Don't want to give too much away ATM.

Is there a certain type of brick i would have to use or just keep away from Concrete ones...

Would this be ok?

 

[juggernuts]

I'm planning my Future scape and want to go a bit different..Don't want to give too much away ATM.

Is there a certain type of brick i would have to use or just keep away from Concrete ones...

Would this be ok?

Good question I guess, the only thing i would suggest is trying to drop some vinegar on the block and seeing if it fizzes, this is always a good way to check if a stone is capable of being left in the water.

After that, why not try getting one and using a container or such, big enough to house one brick, put your tank water in there with an airstone and monitor any changes. Possibly change like 2 cups of water every 3 or 4 days as if it were a larger scale water change. then say after two weeks see what they turn out like....

Best of luck, and Im intrigued already regarding a scape with house bricks lol!!

 

[Mikaila31]

I would make sure they are clay based bricks that have been in a kiln and not concrete bricks.

 

[Tizer]

Try searching for cobble stones. Often used in fish tanks. I'll be using them for a future scape / tank

 

[DrRob]

Good question I guess, the only thing i would suggest is trying to drop some vinegar on the block and seeing if it fizzes, this is always a good way to check if a stone is capable of being left in the water.

I use limescale remover, rather than vinegar. You're much more likely to see an obvious fizz if what you're testing is lime based.

Problem is that it won't show any problems with metals in the bricks, however your average brick is clay based but additional bindings could be the issue.

Avoid concrete brick types though.

 

[micko]

If I were you I'd go for a higer grade of brick if possible. They're very rough and I've often opened up my hand whilst working with them. Not very nice.

 

[KrazyKuhli]

I was thinking of sandblasting them to make them look older and worn...

But I will look around for clay kiln dried ones.

Cheers

 

[tribalbrit]

You would really need an engineering type brick. try a builders merchants and ask to look at an engineering class B.
OR better still a Staffordshire Blue. (hardest bricks known to man) Niether of these absorb much water and therefore less likely to leach dyes, chemicals, etc.

You may even get them cheap if you take chipped ones. Cheaper than B and Q at any rate.

And yes fyi I am a Bricklayer.