Lava Rock Substrate

[Flowerhorn916]

Well I have been concidering using small lava rock for the substrate in my new 225g tank. I can get them for 2.00 per 5g bucket since it will be too expensive to buy rocks from the LFS I was checking out rock places and the only rock the have that seems attractive to me is the small lava rock. Has anyone used it? Does it affect PH?

Thanks

 

[joephys]

Lava rock shouldn't affect pH, I have heard that it can cause cuts on fish though. I personally haven't used it myself.

 

[stingray4540]

I too have heard of lava rock causing cuts. Have you looked at any of the small gravel? Most rock places should have some sort of really small gravel, You could probably even find some at homedepot/lowes/etc. Just make sure you poil whatever you get first. The rock yards are also great places to get large rock for decorating. Good luck.

 

[StreetCypher]

i dont see a problem if all you have is mid and top level fish, but for bottom dwellers it would definitely be too abrasive.

Also, its much more porous than other sub so it may clog easier causing high nitrates without proper maintenance

You can go to home depot and get a HUGE bag for $5. Its in the garden section

 

[Flowerhorn916]

Well I have alot of synodontis cats so I guess I will try for small river rock insted none of the rock places seem to have small enough rock for my geophagus to dig in it is all at least marble size.

 

[stingray4540]

Try home depot or osh, they should have some smaller gravel. If you want something for your fish to dig in, why not get play sand?

 

[Sploke]

I wouldn't use it for substrate, but it makes great cheap biomedia for a canister filter.

 

[dajewfish]

I was just told by my LFS that lava rock lowers pH and is obsurd for media in a SW tank? The store itself is reputable, but not sure about this guy. Any ideas?

 

[Sploke]

I use it in all my freshwater tanks with no ill effects whatsoever. I would think that it would be fine in saltwater too, but I've never tried it so I can't say for sure one way or the other.