Lava rock

[dward254]

Hello,

Another newbie question

I am about 17 days into my cycle. I have about 1 in of mixed black sand and some small crushed coral. About 50 lbs of pourous lava rock and a few lbs of tufa. Additionally, a couple of lbs of live rock. I am using an emporer 400, which I have found should have the biowheel taken out after the tank cycles.

Finally, my question, I read on another forum that the lava rock may contain some metals or addional minerals that could cause problems in the tank. Should I remove these rocks now or wait until the cycle completes. Also, can the black sand be a potential problem? (Rock and substrate purchases were suggested by my lfs. And, once again, I have found that I should have researched more:( ) Thanks.

[azriel]

i got a question about lava rock too??? i have seen people add tufa rock to their tanks (with live rock)and it eventually becomes live rock. i got boatloads of lava rock and was wondering if the same thing would happen. any info would be greatly appreciated. thanx.

[VoodooChild]

I've never heard of any problems with lava rock, and it is porous enough that I'm sure it would become a good biofilter. Well, lemme rephrase that. I haven't heard of any problems with it, but they could exist. But I think the chances of it happening are the same chances you take when you put other base rock in, or a fish that may have parasites, or the like. Check and see if you know where the rock came from.