Lava rock

[Big C]

Can I put lava rock in my tank? I have a few pieces I picked up during my holiday and I think they will look cool with plants attached to them. Would they change the pH of the water? How do I make sure they are safe?

 

[Zagz]

I use lava rock in my tank and hasn't changed the ph at all.
Rinse them very well and soak it for a bit.

 

[Tiffi]

Better if you biol them. Since they are collected in the "wild", you don't know what kinds of pathogenes are on/in there. Better boil it.

 

[mr funktastic]

i just rinsed the stuff i got from my lfs and it never changed or affected my water in any way but i agree with tiffi that you should boil yours because there may be hidden stuff. i personally love lava rock because it is the fresh water version of live rock. it is really good to have in an established tank because throw a chunk of that stuff in a uncycled tank and it speeds the process up big time.

 

[Big C]

OK. Thanks guys!

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I have lava rocks loaded in the 55 and 150 gal tanks and it has not affected anything regarding water parameters. Before putting it in the tank I just rinsed it off to get the loose pieces of rock and rock dust off of it.