Lava Rock Good Media?

I wouldn't say obsolete, I think it is a great experiment and if it works, one that others can follow. I would test for Copper and other metal compounds that have test available. I mentioned the variables because I felt it was good for anyone to know that by just saying lava rock, does not mean that all is the same. There are so many people out there that will tell you anything to sell something whether it is true or not. I personally would like to be able to duplicate your "test". We put so much time and Money into our tanks, that mistakes can be costly as well as cost the objects of our enjoyment their lives. I continued to do research on this after I posted my last comment. I cannot find any reference of Lava rock and salt water tanks. I did this because the idea of lava peaked my interest. What I didn't even mention is the ability of some substances that can be lava to effect PH levels so I would test for PH also.

I would love to hear your results.
 
I'm daised and confused?@#$

I went to 2 different LFS and 1 said lava rock lowers pH and is not good for SW or FW unless lower pH is required... the other LFS said that it is fine for fw but not salt b/c of all the minerals in it it will leach the color of the rock. Now I've had a few ounces of lava rock in my SW tank for at least a year with no major problems and never leaching color.

Meanwhile the bucket tested as follows:
ammonia- around 3.5 (between the last and second to last on chart)
pH- 7.8 which is normal for my water
nitrites- 0
copper- 0
Also, the bucket is crystal clear.
Is it possible it started to cycle already?

IMO I think it will work just fine but I need to know for sure about the pH deal.
Oriongirl said it won't affect the pH, but she said it may leach toxins into the water, what toxins were you refering to Oriongirl??
 
Yes, it will start to cycle immediately. Copper, heavy metals, etc. The 'lava' rock sold in stores is completely safe--I've had it in FW and SW tanks with no side effects. The concern I express is for using real lava rock, as in volcanic rock, not clean slag.
 
I picked up a few football size chuncks up near Mt Lasson a few years ago. They were mostly red or brown. I rinsed well with the garden hose, lots of bugs came out. Then soaked in saltwater with a power head for 2 months. Aclimated some hermits and snails ( I figured heavy metals would kill them first) I saw no ill efeccts to them and added the proverbial Damsel to the mix and all was fine 6 months after picking up these rocks I added them to my tank and they are very full of life now. There is lots of Lava that flows straight into the ocean there in Hawaii and as far as I know the fish are still swimming there :shark:
 
Thats prommising, and you make a great point, thanks... do you know if cinder would make any difference to the lava rock?
 
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