Lava/volcanic Rock?

[wrightt3]

Just wondering if anyone else uses it as I hardly ever see it in tanks other than my own?
Is there a reason its so unpopular despite its attractiveness?
Just thought that it was a bit strange, that's all

 

[techen]

I never liked the looks of them, I prefer mini landscape rocks.

 

[coolie]

Well, there's lots of types of volcanic rock of all different textures and consistencies not to mention chemical make up.
I tried a piece in my tank, but I was worried that the sharp edges to the "bubbly" texture could damage a fish if it darted across the water in the dark.

 

[wrightt3]

Hmm yeah, I suppose they are pretty sharp, what do you mean by the chemical make up? Is there anything harmful in them?

 

[coolie]

Potentially, but it's difficult to say. The hotel I stayed in, in Lanzarotte, made an entire pond of the volcanic rock, with gold fish or Koi in it.
The entire pond gave off a kind of mineral smell. I'm not saying it makes a tank with a few pieces in it smell, but the smell, indicates something
potentially reactive is leeching out into the water. To test for everything possible in it would be a whole thesis.

 

[wrightt3]

Do you think I should remove it or do you think that it is too small to worry about? 
Still I suppose if the fish in a pond made from it were fine then mine should be too?

 

[coolie]

All that I've said really, to recap, is that there may be risks and you need to make a judgement call.

 

[wrightt3]

I'm hoping to turn the tank into a blackwater tank soon so I'll probably remove it within a few months anyway.
Thanks for the advice!