lava rocks in saltwater tank?

[case]

Does anyone know if it is okay to put lava rocks in a saltwater tank?
I have rocks that are both reddish and white. Although they look basically identical, I believe the white rocks are different from the reddish. I was told the reddish are okay, but not the white......but this person didn't know for sure.

 

[clownfish]

Man-made lava rocks, like the ones made for gas barbecues, are good for a marine or FW tank. Natural lava rock may contain toxic metals, but I think it depends on where it came from. I would just use the BBQ rocks because they are 100% safe. Porous, too, so good bacteria can get in there and do their duty.

 

[jimm]

I believe that the in many types of lava rocks the red or brown color is caused by metals in the rock (specifically ore, I think) and salt water causes this to leach into the water, whereas freshwater does not.
i think the reefs in places like Hawaii are okay because they have existed so long in saltwater that they no longer leach toxic levels of the metals.
I am certainly no expert on this subject. I'm just passing on information I've picked up from geologist buddies and aquarists.

 

[odb]

I've had Lava rock as my base rock for about 2 months now and I havent had any problems. My fish, corraline, and inverts are doing fine. I believe the red comes from Iron and I havent heard anyone mention iron as being a bad metal.

 

[mr . salty]

I'm no expert,but I would think LAVA ROCK would contain SULFER among other metals. STEVE