What bricks are safe?

[Ben Krysa]

I have noticed that many people use bricks in their enclosures. I am just wndering what kinds of bricks are safe to use in semi-aquatic setups? I would imagine some would leach out compounds that may alter water chemistry. If anyone could help with some advice I would really appreciate it. Thanks

 

[SludgeMunkey]

What is known as "redbrick" and terracotta type masonry is acceptable. Avoid cement type blocks like the ones everyone tends to call "cinder blocks".

 

[Jennewt]

I agree. The terracotta-type bricks are usually kiln-fired, so they shouldn't leach much (just as you wouldn't expect ceramics to leach much). If you're worried about leaching, use bricks that have been stored outdoors for a while, and boil before use.

There are brick-shaped bricks made of cast cement, so avoid any that look like they may have been made this way. They are usually gray colored, but I've seen some that were dyed to an orangey color - but they still looked like cast cement, not real bricks.

 

[Ben Krysa]

Thank you for the input. I happen to know of a big pile of red bricks that had been sitting outside for about four years now. I will definately take all the necessary measures before adding bricks to my tanks.

 

[AaronK]

What kind of store would sell redbrick or terracotta bricks? I haven't seen it locally.

 

[Jennewt]

What kind of store would sell redbrick or terracotta bricks? I haven't seen it locally.

That's a good question. Most of the bricks I've seen at home improvement stores are the cement type. I have gotten all the bricks I use from construction leftovers: either piles of leftovers I found at friends' houses, or broken ones that I literally dumpster-dived from construction debris. For a while, I lived in a neighborhood with new homes being built, so there was an endless supply there.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Terracotta bricks are actually pretty rare.

These can be purchased of amazingly high prices from specialty tile shops and the like. There are however quite a few terracotta products sold in National Chain and Mom N Pop pet stores that work perfectly. (I am searching for a picture of these online, but have yet to find one.)

Red Brick is fast falling out of favor in the construction realm due to costs and labor, however there are quite a few sources available. Construction/ demolition sites are choice. In the past I have merely asked for a few stray bricks from an employee/foreman at the site and invariably was offered all I could take. To purchase them, look for "red brick pavers".

Many DIY stores carry them in stock, many others can get them for you. Even Googling the term brings up plenty of places to get them. (Bet the shipping is costly online though) I buy them from the garden center at Home Depot. The downside to pavers is they do not always have the holes through them. The good news is a lot of architectural salvage places have those old style "holy" red bricks.

Local brick yards most certainly carry them, or can get them. I am a fan of Higgins Brick and their products. They make brand-new bricks of all sorts, including some that are amazingly weathered looking. The local brickyard here laughs at me a lot, but they still sell me bricks.

A third option is to contact the local Bricklayer's/ Mason's Union (not Freemasons- the actual construction guys...). A lot of those guys can help you out or may even have bricks you can get.

 

[xMIDNIGHTx]

I actually know a mason who had a ton of old bricks in his backyard. I grab a bunch (with his consent of course ) and they were all different colors. Most of them were standard red bricks with the three holes, but some were longer, thinner ones with five smaller holes. I also found some that were tan colored (like limestone, not light like cement) and even dark gray ones (looks like crushed granite?).

I am alittle worried about the tan and gray ones but have them all soaking now. Any ideas on what these could be or if they are safe? I broke one of the red bricks and its red all the way through so I would assume they are all terracotta. I didnt get a chance to ask him about the material of the bricks, all I know is that they are pretty old.

Any ideas on this? Was it common practice to make them of different materials that we would consider safe for aquaculture?

Thanks,

Mitch

 

[Ken Worthington]

This is an interesting thread to me; in that I have a few Victorian red bricks (same age as the house) at my disposal.
I have a lot of slate tiles, some of which I'm using to floor the 36" axie tank (with a silicone seal or not? Still not sure)
I did a controled test as for pH by testing a bucket of water with 2 clean slates in it, then testing a bucket without, both at the time, then approx a fortnight later. No significant difference in pH anyway.
I've yet to test the house-bricks in the same manner, but with a bit of adapting and a bit of Java moss.......