Cork as filter material

[lmsmith]

I've been doing some googles and I can't find whether or not cork would be a good material for filters? It seems ideal, but I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was toxic? In saying that, we use it in wine bottles. Any ideas of whether or not cork would be ok?

[lmsmith]

Actually did I just have a totally dumb moment? Cork will rot right? :oops: :oops:

[spoon]

you have to wonder google cork bark backgrounds . im sure this is similar maybe the chips of cork in a newewr wine bottle top are held together by toxic glue? the 1s that arent made from chips of cork should be ok (soaked for a few weeks to remove residue wine maybe)

[Caryl]

Cork is used as backgrounds so I doubt it is toxic. Not sure if it would be suitable as filter media though as it would be too dense (and float)

[HaNs]

Better and cheaper mediums out there, i wouldnt bother.

[lmsmith]

What would you suggest as a cheap and good media?

[suphew]

Bunnings and the like sell scouring pads used by painters, they are the same as the kitchen pot scrubbers but without the extra stuff like anti-bacterial, soap, etc. Pumice is another option as is scoria

[Wok]

Purchase the aqua one brand of filter material.. I find it is cheap and does the job.

cork is not permeable enough for bacteria to get into it to work

[jolliolli]

you might be remembering my experience with corktiles lmsmith. I had cork tiles which were sandwiched between pieces of rubber in the sump of my marine aquarium and when the tiles disintegrated some form of toxic poison was released killing 90% of my fish in around 30 minutes. I suspect it is likely it was the glue that attached the rubber to the cork that was toxic, but its not a risk i would be taking again

[lmsmith]

Thanks guys, I might steer clear.