Cinder Blocks

ReefDoberman · 04/15/2009, 05:20 PM

Does anyone know if there are any reasons (chemically) that I could not use a cinder block as a stand for something in my sump? I admit that I actually have done this before without consequence however the more I think about it I thought I would check to be sure.

Thoughts?

ReefDoberman · 04/15/2009, 05:20 PM

To clarify the cinder block would be submerged in my sump water (in a 100 gallon rubbermaid)

jrw · 04/15/2009, 05:51 PM

I don't know the answer to your question, but something to consider is this...

There is a difference between concrete block and cinder block.

Concrete blocks are pure concrete, whereas cinder blocks are made from coal cinders and concrete that form a lighter, cheaper building material.

Just something to think about.

ReefDoberman · 04/15/2009, 05:58 PM

It is the concrete part that I am slightly worried about. I know in most applications when concrete is used (diy liverock, frag plugs etc..) there is a curing process that needs to take place prior to introducing them into your system.

I am not sure if this applies to cinder though... Like I said, I've used it before and didnt have any problems but I would like confirmation

chimmike · 04/15/2009, 06:00 PM

i would use a concrete block and not a cinder block. coal bits may have trace elements of mercury, etc. that could leach out over time.

cure a concrete block for a few weeks, doing a few water changes in the process. That should help a bit.

laugh · 04/15/2009, 06:19 PM

Do they still make cinder blocks?

jrw · 04/15/2009, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by laugh
Do they still make cinder blocks?

Yes. It is cheaper, lighter, and less compressive strength.

None of that matters for one block used the way he plans, but I might elect the concrete block and cure it until the pH does not seem to change.

Just my thoughts.

BuddhaKiss · 04/15/2009, 07:38 PM

Just out of curiousity, what are you planning to put on top of the cinder block? I ask only b/c I'm wondering if you could make a stand out of eggcrate instead.

captstinky · 04/15/2009, 07:53 PM

My whole tank is DIY concrete rock. Curing instructions can be googled for fresh concrete. I know little about cinder block but all posts seem to be accurate so far. I see lots of cinderblocks in the salt water here with marine growth FWIW, but we aren't talking a closed env't there either. for a couple bucks you could make your own...

04/15/2009, 05:20 PM	#1
ReefDoberman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: PA Posts: 688	Cinder Blocks Does anyone know if there are any reasons (chemically) that I could not use a cinder block as a stand for something in my sump? I admit that I actually have done this before without consequence however the more I think about it I thought I would check to be sure. Thoughts?

04/15/2009, 06:00 PM	#5
chimmike oxygen abuser Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Parrish, FL Posts: 5,089 Blog Entries: 2	i would use a concrete block and not a cinder block. coal bits may have trace elements of mercury, etc. that could leach out over time. cure a concrete block for a few weeks, doing a few water changes in the process. That should help a bit. __________________ -Mike Tankless wonder Geaux Noles!

04/15/2009, 06:19 PM	#6
laugh Member of the Registry Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 1,226	Do they still make cinder blocks? __________________ NORK President Current Tank Info: All gone

04/15/2009, 05:51 PM	#3
jrw Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Olney, Maryland Posts: 227	I don't know the answer to your question, but something to consider is this... There is a difference between concrete block and cinder block. Concrete blocks are pure concrete, whereas cinder blocks are made from coal cinders and concrete that form a lighter, cheaper building material. Just something to think about.

04/15/2009, 05:58 PM	#4
ReefDoberman Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: PA Posts: 688	It is the concrete part that I am slightly worried about. I know in most applications when concrete is used (diy liverock, frag plugs etc..) there is a curing process that needs to take place prior to introducing them into your system. I am not sure if this applies to cinder though... Like I said, I've used it before and didnt have any problems but I would like confirmation

04/15/2009, 07:38 PM	#8
BuddhaKiss Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern Va Posts: 1,068	Just out of curiousity, what are you planning to put on top of the cinder block? I ask only b/c I'm wondering if you could make a stand out of eggcrate instead.

04/15/2009, 07:53 PM	#9
captstinky Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 309	My whole tank is DIY concrete rock. Curing instructions can be googled for fresh concrete. I know little about cinder block but all posts seem to be accurate so far. I see lots of cinderblocks in the salt water here with marine growth FWIW, but we aren't talking a closed env't there either. for a couple bucks you could make your own...