I used bricks for 1.5 yrs. Sunleaves, Roots and GH. all brands had to be soaked, broken up, hand squeezed . Same processTWICE to remove salts and sands. Then mixed with perlite. Last year I changed to Cyco Platinum Coco Coir bagged after trying various bagged cocos. I use 3 parts coco to one part perlite (Vigoro brand).
Currently the Cyco brand is best buffered out of the bag. Although I will pre rinse it sometimes. 1st run off was at 6.1. Pretty good and clean. Good texture too.
if one uses bricks it must be soaked, broken up, rinsed, squeezed two times.
All best done in a wheel barrow with lg tubs to gather the rinsed product.