Substrate lava aquarium porous rocks

[Ann1971]

I'm planning a tank containing Heterandria Formosa. I bought lava substrate for an Opae Ula tank. Could I use the lava rock for the fish instead? I am only providing Java Fern in my tank, nothing that needs to be planted in substrate.
Thank you,
Ann

 

[Delapool]

Off the top of my head I can't see an issue apart from any food that might get lost.

 

[nirbhao]

I had lava rocks on top of sand when I first started. Very pretty. They collected all kinds of detritus, unfortunately. I've seen other people use them *under* sand, but you have to use a boatload of sand, because they will work themselves up.

 

[Ann1971]

I wasn't planning on using sand, just the lava substrate. If I crush them into smaller bits, would there be less of a chance for food and other debris being trapped? Am I just asking for trouble and should just stick to pea size gravel? I just want a cover for the fish to feel to comfortable.
Thank you both for your answers.
Ann

 

[nirbhao]

All of those little pockets in the rocks will hold stuff.

 

[Ann1971]

Oh, okay. Thanks!
Ann

 

[Goldguru]

crushed lava rock is VERY sharp.
due to it being Vitrified natural glass.
I have a rock crusher which i used on some awhile back to make a packing for a project.
It will readily scratch glass,if it was tumbled for a period & crushed to 20-60 mesh it would be very nice but without tumbling the exposed edges are very sharp.
there is a product called ecotraction dont know sizes for sure but it is cheap.

EcoTraction - award-winning winter safety alternative to road salt/chlorides.

 

[HookedOnFishh]

I don't like lava rock substrate it's all porus and can have parasites spawn rapidly in the pours. I used to have lava rock in a lot of tanks rock or substrate. I quit using it and it really helped the infections and parasites on the fish go down -.

-That's only my opinion

 

[Ann1971]

Thank you all for your answers! I had no idea of the problems it can cause I guess I lost my money there. Would plain natural gravel do? It's just so the bottom won't be bare. I don't plan to have any substrate planted vegetation. Thank you for the link, Goldguru.
Ann

 

[Ann1971]

Estes Marine Sand sounds good from my research, so I think that I will go with that.
Ann

 

[HookedOnFishh]

Plain gravel and sand work just fine. I'm so sorry if you already bought lava rock substrate!!! I just wasted your money!!! But yes, the you are thinking of getting will work very well

 

[Ann1971]

Thank you very much! It's best I found out before I used it. I wouldn't want to compromise their health. Maybe I can use it for drainage when I replant my cactus, or just chuck it.
Ann