Bricks

Munroco

Fish Herder
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Was walking along the beach today gathering driftwood. There are always a lot of red stones which I'm pretty sure are bricks that have been worn down. They are well worn, most of them looking like elongated pebbles.  I think they could look pretty good in a tank, but would they be safe? What effects would they have on the water?
 
personally I wouldn't risk it but you could try dripping white vinegar onto them. If it fizzes it's not safe. That's all I know I'm afraid :/
 
If they are bricks they can contain other nasty stuff than calcium alone I think.
 
Keep in mind the weathered bricks you find have been exposed to rain and sea water for a long time. That should have washed out any water soluble materials.  Bricks are generally fired clay. The firing process should also make them safe. So they are probably safe. However they probably have some salt in them.  I would collect them and wash them and then put then replace all the water with water that has a known GH, PH, and KH values.  Wait a week and then recheck the GH, PH, and KH.  If the numbers have not changed they are safe to add to the tank.
 
When you are at the beach keep an eye open for weathered glass.  The resulting glass rock can sometimes be quite colorfull and also might be worth adding to the aquarium.  Other than salt from sea water, glass is safe.
 
I'll have a trip down tomorrow if I have time and collect a few. I'll give them a wash and stick them in a tub in the back garden for a week or two. I'll try the vinegar test but tbh I expect it will fizz because they feel rough.  I want them for a shrimp tank though so if they are leeching anything It may even be beneficial. These things have obviously been in the sea for years and don't actually look like bricks anymore. I think a tank full of them and driftwood could look really unusual. I'll keep an eye out for glass too. Its not something I ever thought about for an aquarium.
 
Munroco ... be careful. I remembered last night that in many area's taking rocks from the beach is illegal. I wouldn't want you to get arrested over it
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Its ok, I went at midnight when the rock police are off duty. Here's what I got.
 

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...yes ... but are the rock police scouting the internet for thieves
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you cleaned up the beach of building debris....nice job
 

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