Lava Rock?

[jimdogs]

I have a 75 gal. saltwater fish only tank. I have treated my tank with cupermine in the past and live rock will not do so well, so can I put lava rock in my tank. Will this cause any problems?
thanks
Jim

 

[drakken]

Lava rock is fine. I have some in my FO tank.

 

[daniel411]

I'm going to disagree. I've read, don't know how accurate, that lava rock has heavy metals which would be dangerous over time for your aquarium habitants.

 

[beaslbob]

If you establish a thriving plant growth, the copper will be absorbed by the plant life. then you can do whatever else you want even LR.
And yes I use base rock and lava rock in my setup.

 

[chuckularone]

Bob, do you keep coral in a tank with lava rock?

 

[marvida]

Some people use it with apparent success, but IMO it introduces unnecessary variables into the equation. Volcanic rock can & does contain about everything including metals & minerals that will leach. Our area is volcanic & in someplaces the hills rust due to iron content. Sulfur deposits are also common.
If problems arise how would you be able to know the source of the problem?

 

[greenbananas87]

what about tuffa rock, i got some from my lfs and it looks nice in the tank and with a little algae on it looks like a light piece of lr w/out all the critters and plants and,... and,... and,..., but i don't know if it has the same problem as lava rock as i don't know where it comes from,

 

[beaslbob]

Originally posted by chuckularone
Bob, do you keep coral in a tank with lava rock?
I got some corals and some lava rock anyway. LOL

 

[belothsurf]

Real lava rock does have heavy metals in it......not good. But lava rock you can buy in the store is man made and safe.