Lava rock as bio media

[ericrodriguez]

Any one has used lava rock in your system? Comment will be appreciated
Thanks

 

[diana a]

The classification of Lava Rock: "The composition of a lava rock is a function of its mineral structure and chemical arrangement. One factor determining an igneous rock's composition is its classification as either a felsic or mafic rock. Felsic rocks are dominated by silicon and aluminum minerals, whereas mafic rocks are dominated by magnesium and iron minerals. "

I personally would not put it in my tank

 

[Wilson416]

Lava rocks will release chemicals into a saltwater system I wouldn’t use it try bio balls

 

[amado]

Lava rocks are good for fresh water not salt water. For salt water you just need to use rock from the ocean to hold bacteria. You could also use dry rock/base rock and that will grow bacteria.

bio ball the blue plastics are also not good for salt water they become nitrate factory.

you can buy ceramic bio blocks/balls and those are also good. Just be careful some of them have been known to leak aluminum.

 

[ericrodriguez]

Thanks

 

[reefsandrotts]

This tank of mine was all Lava rock boulders from Franks nusery about 30 years ago. Corals seem to love it.

 

[ericrodriguez]

Thanks for the pictures

 

[ericrodriguez]

Just thinking that if works in fresh water why not in saltwater. Plans looks ok on lava rock acuarium...

 

[amado]

So you want to use rocks that come from the ocean or dry rock ocean rock. That rock was made to live in salt water. So it buffers the ph up. I use to use lava rocks for a koi pond as a filter rock to grow algae (moss)and bacteria. I wouldn’t put it in any tank.
Fresh or salt. You have to keep thing simple.
The reef rocks are made and build from dead corals. So it helps the tank cycle. It helps grow mushrooms and it won’t break down with salt water. Lava rock is not made for the ocean.