BBQ Charcoal for Aquascaping - do you think it'll work?

[Sunfire]

Hi guys.

Apart from rocks and driftwood...do you think using BBQ charcoal in an aquascape would work? As, in the place of rocks or wood?

After washing off all the soot, I don't think there's a problem, right?

Just another wacky idea.

[Justikanz]

Charcoal meant for barbeque contains a layer of chemcials that makes it more suitable for the barbequing purpose... If you want to use charcoal for aquascaping, buy charcoal from nurseries, especially those meant for orchid growing...

But do note that charcoal adsorbs chemicals and so you will have some initial problems with fertilizing and medicating... After saturation, the charcoal will release the adsorbed chemicals back into the water... Usually this is bad news if you had been medicating...

[Sunfire]

Gee thanks.

I began to appreciate a kind of beauty in BBQ charcoal especially the larger pieces.

Aquascaping is about experimentation in using different materials to bring out beauty of the plants and the scape.

[Justikanz]

The 2 types of charcoal looks the same... Just that those for barbeque is coated with the chemicals.

Yes, charcoal will look nice in aquascaping... The black will also contrast well with the greens of the plants...

The only thing is some people, like me, would go for a 'natural' look and charcoal, though a natural material, is not exactly as natutral as wood and rocks under water. Personal opinion lah...

Do show the final results.

[BFG]

Gee thanks.

I began to appreciate a kind of beauty in BBQ charcoal especially the larger pieces.

Aquascaping is about experimentation in using different materials to bring out beauty of the plants and the scape.

If you could produce something that may make it look different as well as pleasing to the eyes, why not try it? You could start a totally new direction in this hobby. Just go for it, never try never know. The background color might a bit tricky for this new concept to work. Experiment with it 1st before making the final decision.

[a_scape]

The 2 types of charcoal looks the same... Just that those for barbeque is coated with the chemicals.

Yes, charcoal will look nice in aquascaping... The black will also contrast well with the greens of the plants...

The only thing is some people, like me, would go for a 'natural' look and charcoal, though a natural material, is not exactly as natutral as wood and rocks under water. Personal opinion lah...

Do show the final results.

I saw some of Vietnam aquascaper use charcoal inside their planted tank and seems just fine.

[valice]

You remember where or which site you saw it?
Maybe can post the link if it is possible? Will give us new ideas on scaping.

[XnSdVd]

The only thing is some people, like me, would go for a 'natural' look and charcoal, though a natural material, is not exactly as natutral as wood and rocks under water. Personal opinion lah...

Do show the final results.

Well.. you could say it's the amazon during the wet season after some native indian tried slash and burn...