Lava Rock

[SPLiSH]

Hey all,

I've read The Wolf's pinned topic on Rocks and I've Googled around for ages but I keep getting conflicting information.

Does lava rock, in any way, affect water?

Thanks!

 

[OohFeeshy]

It shouldn't do, no. I've used it with no effects.

 

[rfisher]

Hi,

Yes same here no problems that I have noticed.

Rich

 

[Callum]

is it expensive? (in England GBP please)

 

[KimA]

When I bought mine from my local lfs it was between £6-8 per bag (roughly 4-5 good sized pieces)

 

[OohFeeshy]

It depends where you get it from really, I've forgotton how much mine is but it's not as expensive as some rocks becasue it's not at all dense.

 

[Callum]

will it crumble + how much is needed for a bow 38(uk) gallon tank

 

[OohFeeshy]

It will crumble if you hit it with a hammer, yes, but not just by being in a tank. How much is up to you, it depends how big the bits are, how much of the tanks you want to take up etc.

 

[mr.dark-saint]

It all depends on the rock since not all lava rock is the same. If not washed well it'll turn the tank orange .

You can purchase them in different sizes at your local ground scaper or home improvement joints.

 

[Callum]

my LFS has only a few tiny pieces left but anyway do you have to soak it in water for ages like wood?

 

[OohFeeshy]

No, but give it a good rinse and scrub as it can be quite dusty.

 

[KimA]

my LFS has only a few tiny pieces left but anyway do you have to soak it in water for ages like wood?

I rinsed each piece first, then left to soak for about 30 mins, rinsed again then put it into the tank - never had any problem with stained water.

 

[three-fingers]

I may have read somewhere that lava rock is not good for inverts, i think it produces problems in moulting. Could be thinking of another type of rock, though if you have inverts it may be worth checking out .

 

[dizzied]

I've kept lava rock with inverts and have no problem. I don't see how it can cause any problems with molting though. The LFS here sells them for 2 bucks for a pound of rock.

You should scrub it, since it tends to have lots of little loose bits.

 

[SPLiSH]

Thanks for the help everyone.

The woman in my LFS said it wouldn't alter pH or any aspect of water chemistry, just wanted to confirm.