Before I begin construction.....

[brikag]

I have a questions about Hydroton (leca), the clay ball substrate.

1.) How heavy are they? Example: covering an average 10 gallon tank w/ an inch of the clay balls. 10 oz? 10 pounds?

2.) Over time, will they eventually form into a solid brick later on down the road?

3.) Over time, will they become brittle and break-off into little pieces?

Just curious. I'm looking at alternatives. I may have found one.

Thank you for your attention.
Brian

[Wild Ginger]

1.) How heavy are they? Example: covering an average 10 gallon tank w/ an inch of the clay balls. 10 oz? 10 pounds?

Clay pellets as they're more commonly referred to do not weigh a lot in general. This is due to the many air pockets it's got within it's shell. Somewhat like a styrofoam, only this is clay. But as they do take in water over time, it's best to just measure the weight as a water volume of 1inch of an average 10 gallons tank and take 60% - 70% of the weight. That'll give you a rough estimation.

2.) Over time, will they eventually form into a solid brick later on down the road?

No, they do not break down easily into one lump. They will still retain their form for a very, very long time.

3.) Over time, will they become brittle and break-off into little pieces?

No, unless you have a thrustful force acting on it, for eg: a sledgehammer pounding on it. Other than that, it'll pretty much remain as what it is and not break down into smaller pieces.

Regards,
Phillipe.