Setting up a 55 gallon for goldfish

[Atxpunx]

I was wondering if I could use landscaping lava rock for the substrate. I wanted some anubias and java fern to layer the tank but I dont want the goldfish to hurt themselves on the sharp rock

 

[revchristinejday]

They do have sensitive scales...they can hurt themselves on a plastic plant if they try hard enough. I have 6 goldies. I would step away from the lava rock as a substrate. One could use landscaping river rocks or gravel as substrate. Perhaps if one covered some lava rock pieces with the java fern and anubia on top of substrate that would provide contrast. Mine have not been able to uproot either java fern or anubia tied to rocks. After a few tries they remember and give up....