Bricks? Lava rock types?

[mimigirl]

I know most of you buy your lava in big bags in your garden center. I need a smaller amount and found some in the grilling section of Home Depot. Is it safe to use? I don't think it has chemicals added? Also, what about broken up brick?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Brick should be chemically somewhat similar to LECA.

The big bags of "lava rock" are pretty cheap. I don't know how much the stuff for grills costs. Since it is used with food, it should be OK, but rinsing it and SLOWLY heating it up to 250 F will probably kill most.pathogens. I use the black lava rock, others prefer the red stuff.

[nogreenthumbs]

You may want to treat anything you get like like Ray treats LECA.
Check out the first two links here

- Preparing Media for Use
- Pre-soaking Inert Media

[Leafmite]

I would think there would be no difference except the stuff for grilling might be cleaner.

I have heard of people using broken brick as a medium so that would be fine, too.

[Dollythehun]

They also sell it at repotted.com and Kellies Korner.