Cutting coco fiber bricks?

[unkempt1]

Is this possible? I ask because I just moved my pacman to a smaller 5 gallon because I think he was a little stressed from being in his 10 gallon. The brick was perfect for a 10 gallon, but is overkill for a 5 (I'm sure Jimmy's going to love it though).

I tried a razor sharp pocket knife, kitchen cutting knife, I think I even tried a handsaw and couldn't cut through the thing! I was going to get my log-splitting axe but decided against it because those bricks are tough! I didn't want to damage my expensive axe - is that not insane?

So any ideas? I'm sure there's a simple solution I'm missing.

[GrifTheGreat]

Is this possible? I ask because I just moved my pacman to a smaller 5 gallon because I think he was a little stressed from being in his 10 gallon. The brick was perfect for a 10 gallon, but is overkill for a 5 (I'm sure Jimmy's going to love it though).

I tried a razor sharp pocket knife, kitchen cutting knife, I think I even tried a handsaw and couldn't cut through the thing! I was going to get my log-splitting axe but decided against it because those bricks are tough! I didn't want to damage my expensive axe - is that not insane?

So any ideas? I'm sure there's a simple solution I'm missing.

Lol! This can be difficult, but I have done it in the past. I used an electric Reciprocating Saw. Now I'm not advising anyone to just go out and try this. It can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.

[deranged chipmunk]

Why not just soak half the brick in a small pan of water?

[HerpDerp]

What I normally do is just soak the whole brick in a bucket lined with a small trash bag. Then I just take what I need and tie the bag tight. The coco fiber stays nice and fresh.

[unkempt1]

Lol! This can be difficult, but I have done it in the past. I used an electric Reciprocating Saw. Now I'm not advising anyone to just go out and try this. It can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.

Overkill! I thought about that as an option but don't have access to one. I'm still laughing at the idea of trying and failing to cut into this thing!

Why not just soak half the brick in a small pan of water?

Haha believe it or not that's what I tried! The water basically climbed up the brick like it was a sponge, so I ended up just using the whole thing.

What I normally do is just soak the whole brick in a bucket lined with a small trash bag. Then I just take what I need and tie the bag tight. The coco fiber stays nice and fresh.

This sounds like the winner. I'll give it a shot. Thanks!

[MatthewM1]

I use a serrated kitchen knife and cut into each corner as deep as I can, then saw along each flat edge with the knife to score it a bit, apply pressure to both ends with the corner of a counter or table pressing along the line and it should snap somewhat evenly along that line =) I've done it a couple times now it's works pretty well

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[deranged chipmunk]

this is actually a neat thread. whenever i need a small amount, i spray a brick and remove what i need and repeat until i have enough. but i never needed a half a brick, it's nice to see the ideas other people come up with.

[unkempt1]

I use a serrated kitchen knife and cut into each corner as deep as I can, then saw along each flat edge with the knife to score it a bit, apply pressure to both ends with the corner of a counter or table pressing along the line and it should snap somewhat evenly along that line =) I've done it a couple times now it's works pretty well

I know what you're talking about. I may give that a shot first!

[GrifTheGreat]

I do what HerpGuy does now. I usually poke holes in the bag to allow for air circulation so it doesn't mold or go bad.

[fish4all]

I put mine in a big plastic tub and hydrate it all. I have kept the tub full for months without mold, mildew or any other problems with the lid on in the garage. I also buy it by the big combo brick so I hydrate a lot of it at one time. But I am using it for plants mostly so I always use a lot through the year. The large packs with the 4 bricks are thinner and easier to break up but that is a lot more than most herp/amphib keepers would use in a a couple years.

[chocoboFFA]

i used to do it all the time for my iggy one wasnt enough but 2 was too much

the trick.... electric carving knife and time

[RabidWombat]

I've got a nice little saw that does the trick very quickly - Amazon.com: Shark Corp 10-2312 12-Inch Carpentry Saw: Home Improvement

I used to use a serrated kitchen knife before I had this handy saw.

[deranged chipmunk]

how about a chainsaw or explosives? anyone think they would be useful in this application??

[MatthewM1]

how about a chainsaw or explosives? anyone think they would be useful in this application??

I think strategically placed plastic explosives might prove to be usefull

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[RabidWombat]

how about a chainsaw or explosives? anyone think they would be useful in this application??

Drill a hole and slide an M80 in there... CocoBrick Sized TNT...

[deranged chipmunk]

Drill a hole and slide an M80 in there... CocoBrick Sized TNT...

i was thinking a standard fire cracker, no sense in wasting good coco fiber here........but dam that would be fun!! i'm thinking it may be youtube video time this weekend. i wonder what an oxy/acetelyne bomb would do to a bag of cocofiber??LOL

[fr0g9]

Yesterday night I thought if I cut a notch in one with a serrated knife & gave it a good muay thai knee it would do the job. Horrible idea, hurt like hell and made a huge mess. Just use a circular saw, don't try and go team impact on the coconut brick.

[helm96]

Huh, missed this thread when it was posted. I Use a Compound Mitre Saw. It works really well for getting the amount you want off the brick while keeping your fingers safe.

[BerserkApe]

Wow.....I feel primitive. I smash mine with a rock.

[Mentat]

Hum... you guys already got the attention of FBI and ATF computers on this thread ! I just mix the blocks of Plantation Soil according to instructions and then store excess in a large plastic zip bag. Initially leave it open for a few days, so humidity evaporates to prevent molds and then zip shut until needed !