Are bricks aquarium-safe? what should I look for?

[PintoHawk]

Does anyone happen to know if I can use bricks in my aquarium?
To be more specific, PIECES of brick. Will I have to coat it with epoxy or something first, or will it be safe to just place in the tank? I was thinking I should boil the pieces first to try and get them their cleanest and possibly leach out all the color there might be. Good idea?

I saw mention of using bricks to build caves and decorations on another website, but I wanted to run it by the pros here first. ;)

[Katalyst]

I use two bricks in one of my sumps without a problem.

[CACAdmin]

If you could be certain they were make stickly from clay with no contaminents I think they would be fine, however according to this source (http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14043/css/14043_231.htm) "The chemical and physical characteristics of the ingredients vary considerably." So I'm really not sure. Hopefully, someone else would know or has some experience using brick.

[PintoHawk]

Hmm... two different answers, sort of. I think I will try boiling it and see what the dust & color is like afer that, and give it a shot in my 'lesser' tank. ;)

[Melody]

Depends on what's in them. Usually they're clay & sand but not always. The sand would be a low grade and since it's not intended for people or animals it can contain heavy metals. It can also contain minerals which may effect the pH.

Now you have a yes, a no and a definite maybe. :wink:

[Katalyst]

You can always play mad scientist.

Take two clean buckets
Add bricks & water to one
Add nothing but water to the other

Let it sit for a few days and test the ph on both buckets.

[PintoHawk]

That's actually a really good idea! Thanks Kate!