dead lava rock? can i put in saltwater?

[lucky1967]

i have a couple of lava rocks that are large pieces and i was wondering if the large piece that i have put into my tank is the reason that my nitrite is still very high? any clues? my tank has been up since x-mas. and i had a couple of fish in there such as two damsels. 1 has died. shouldnt the cycling be over. and if not, how long does the cycle usually last.? anyones help would be greatly appriaciated!!!!!! as im new to this again!!!!! please respond!!!! :scared:

 

[pfitz44]

Nope... cycle might not be over yet. Mine took me a month and a half roughly to be finished. Lava rock is fine for SW tanks. What are your readings??

 

[lucky1967]

i have test vials and color charts. my color is well past thecolor it should be, thats why i said it very high

 

[mystic7]

I've always used lava rock in my sw tanks, and I have quite a few as base rock right now. The coraline algae is spreading onto it.

 

[thegrog]

First of all, I want to know what Live lova rock is.......
NExt, I would advise against it. Some lava rocks contain high amounts of different minerals that could affect corals and inverts. If you have a FOWLR, then I would give it the green light.
I tend to be on the conservative side though. The only "dead" rock I put in is tufa rock or "reef bones" rocks.