Lava Rock Filter Media

[Damsel_in_Distress]

im setting up a livebearer only 10 gallon tank, and im wondering if red lava rock is safe as a filter media, does the red come from die? i think that its natural, but of course i'll rinse them off, im just wondering if its ok or not. (as bio media) i read in a book that rocks like that are great as media, so im sceptical thanks. buh bye.
oh ya! and will it effect water perimeters for the better or worse for livebearers? (guppys, and platies)

 

[Damsel_in_Distress]

anybody

 

[OohFeeshy]

I'd say it'd be fine, larger filters use porous rock for bio filtration anyhoo. It shouldn't affect the water at all, I use it for decoration in one of my tanks and I've had no change in pH or anything.

 

[Damsel_in_Distress]

FINNALLY. thanks *oohfeeshy* that should be a good bio media i think.

 

[prankster705]

Lava rock don't have any unatural coloration... I have used it as filter media and it has worked fine for me, except that PH wen't down a little...

 

[andywg]

The only problem with natural lava rock is it tends to get bunged up with detritus very quickly reducing its efficency.

But it should serve the purpose well so long as you keep an eye on it.