Using bricks as rocks

I'm in the process of setting up an African tank (previously housed
S.Americans). I was wondering if old bricks (never actually used in
construction, though) can be added as rockwork? It seems the holes in the
bricks would lend themselves for some of the smaller cichlids.

Has anyone used bricks and are there any concerncs or gotchas?

TIA,

Joeb

I know a breeder in my area who uses them
my only concern would be that they are sharp at the edges
big shy fish like say frontosa might cut themselves up if they 'do a bolt'
when scared

Joeb wrote in message ...
I'm in the process of setting up an African tank (previously housed
S.Americans). I was wondering if old bricks (never actually used in
construction, though) can be added as rockwork? It seems the holes in the
bricks would lend themselves for some of the smaller cichlids.

Has anyone used bricks and are there any concerncs or gotchas?

TIA,

Joeb

Hi Joeb:

My brother has two bricks in his 70-gallon tank that he found unused
at a nearby construction site. Using his grinder, he shaved down the
pointed sides thereby taking away the danger of fish scraping
themselves.

He did, however, soak the bricks in boiling hot water for an entire
day before placing them in the tank. This takes away any unseen
bacteria.

Hope this helps.

Jim.

HI

I used 20-30 bricks in my 300 setup.. My Cichlids did not have any ill effects..

Don http://www.cichlidbreeding.com

(Jim) wrote in message . com...
Joeb wrote in message ...
I'm in the process of setting up an African tank (previously housed
S.Americans). I was wondering if old bricks (never actually used in
construction, though) can be added as rockwork? It seems the holes in the
bricks would lend themselves for some of the smaller cichlids.

Has anyone used bricks and are there any concerncs or gotchas?

TIA,

Joeb

Hi Joeb:

My brother has two bricks in his 70-gallon tank that he found unused
at a nearby construction site. Using his grinder, he shaved down the
pointed sides thereby taking away the danger of fish scraping
themselves.

He did, however, soak the bricks in boiling hot water for an entire
day before placing them in the tank. This takes away any unseen
bacteria.

Hope this helps.

Jim.