Black Ceramic Tiles

[celaeno]

i went to home depot today and saw some 4x4" black ceramic tiles. are they safe for aquarium use?

ps the only slate i found was at petland discounts. the brand was feller and there were around 8 flat pieces of slate bundled together, selling as 'aquarium rock'. i didn't buy it because they were too thin and the edges were too sharp.

 

[iairj84]

I've seen them sold with java moss covering them so I'm assuming they are fine.

 

[Teelie]

I would assume black ceramic is fine so long as it's not treated or conditioned with anything that would be toxic in the tank. A lot of people use ceramic stuff in their tanks with no ill effects.

 

[Castellop123]

I'm sure it will be fine...

Cheers...

 

[mlawson]

They are fine to use

 

[celaeno]

what about this post that i got after searching the forums?

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=690282

 

[020292]

Do you think that would look cool? Instead of having gravel, have different color tiles on the bottom? let me know!

Thanks!

 

[Teelie]

what about this post that i got after searching the forums?

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=690282

Simple answer is make sure it's glazed. There are a lot of half-truths and unintentional misinformed claims about what is and is not safe. Some have truth to them but there are usually conditions on them that make them normally improbable. To be on the safe side though, get them glazed or glaze them yourself if you can find a kiln to use. Your average homeowner's oven won't cut it.

 

[celaeno]

it's glazed on the top, but not on the bottom. according to the post i linked to in my last post, it's not safe, but i was wondering if anyone else has an opinion or more information? if so, please share.

i don't whether or not to trust the post i linked to because that member (webcat5, who no longer seems to use tff) claims that terra cotta flower pots are unsafe too (even though cichlid breeders use them). here's the link to that post...

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=690353

EDIT: he also thinks that clay is unsafe, which torrean (tff member) has used in his tanks. here's the link...

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=690519

 

[Torrean]

yep I use it. It may deteriorate to a degree over a LONG period of time but I've had my pieces in tank for close to two years now and they are still hard as a rock. Think about it how many clay vessels are found in sunken ships in SEAWATER. I say contact the manufacturer and ask. If they say the clay and glaze is safe then I say go for it. Watch out for manganese barium and sulfur in the clay and lead in the glaze. Good luck =)


EDIT: look up vitrification and rosenthal pottery

 

[vinylman]

Why not use slate instead?. You're bound to find shapes you'll like.