Lava rocks for media filter??

[Lonely reefer's]

Have anyone used in saltwater aquarium Sump

 

[Hitman]

Following as I’ve been wondering the same. They have a lot of holes and by theory they would be great in a sump. I’ve just never heard of anyone doing it and haven’t found anything on them being used. I would think it would leach Iron, sulfur, and phosphorus but I honestly don’t know. Maybe @Randy Holmes-Farley could help with this one. What’s your thoughts doc?

 

[Marlon2024]

Why not just go with pond matrix or one of those media things get a gallon for like 15$

 

[jda]

It depends. Some lava rock has harsh metals in it while some might be fine.

Lace rock or pure limestone will work just as well, but can have bound terrestrial phosphate.

 

[Oldsalt01]

Yah. Some heavy metals and can have pH issues. I'd stay away from it although having said that I do recall a mixed FW tank I had 50 years ago that went on forever. Still, SW is a different animal, so I'd say no.

 

[joshbridges]

you have to get the right type of lava rock ,, it needs to be 100% volcanic , and not that other crap ,, I have it in my canister instead of biomax and bioballs, and in my 2 hob marineland 50g rated filters aslong as your first media tray has a coarse sponge the second can be lava rock then third , seachem or activated carbon(start with small doses of carbon if just starting to use in DT) at 7.99 a bag 15lbs at Canadian tire its the cheapest alternative to live rock(Which is on average 6.99- 9.99 per lbs in Canada) and that's not even pukani or fiji lol its mostly base rock and diy quickcrete rocks that has been in a sump or developing tank for years

 

[joshbridges]

when we don't have an ocean at arms reach us Canadians get it done lol

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I no lava rock in a reef tank. Use dry rock.

 

[joshbridges]

I no lava rock in a reef tank. Use dry rock.

I completely agree with that ,, for inside the tank its live rock all the way ,, but for filter media , its perfectly fine in a reef sump for a bioball replacement