base rock question

[svynx]

Hello fellow reefers. I need to know if a pure lava rock can be used for base rock. I've seen "lava rock" used before, but didn't know if it was truely lava rock. I'm asking because Lowes sells rubble lava rock in a 7 pound bag for about $3.50. It's black, but very light. It's sold as the rock used in gas grills. Any ideas?

[loosecannon]

That rock may rust, it did in my BQ.

[sdc19982002]

I may be wrong, but I think the mineral content would be too high. IMO if your not sure, dont use it.

[reeferstace]

I agree with sdc, I have also heard that lava rock would leach undesirable minerals in your tank. I know at that price it's tempting but I don't think it would be wise.

[SL38]

heard theres high levels of metals in certain lava rocks. I don't think its worth the risk. Might be cheap now, but long run might cost you alot more

[Dino]

Everybody has pretty much said it, I'm not sure if Randy or one of the other chemists on here has ever done any tests just to see what all lava rock leaches out, its composition is completely different though. Volcanic rock can be comprised of any number of different minerals - iron, aluminum, silica, magnesium, and others while "reef rock" is calcium carbonate based (limestone).

So, IMO - no, I would not use it . Base rock isn't really all that expensive (many places sell it for between $2-3/lb), and you know it'll be safe for the tank.

[svynx]

All well. Would have been nice though, with a little color contrast as well. Anyone recommend a cheap place to get base rock? My LFS sells it, but their selection, for the most part, isn't that great. You have to be there when they restock to get the good pieces.
Dino- where did you see the $2-$3/ld?

[tmcgaughey]

Originally posted by reeferstace
I agree with sdc, I have also heard that lava rock would leach undesirable minerals in your tank. I know at that price it's tempting but I don't think it would be wise.

AGREE!

[Dino]

Originally posted by svynx
Dino- where did you see the $2-$3/ld?

I'm planning on order some base rock here shortly from Bulk Reef Supply, they're sold out of a lot of their rock at the moment but they carry a few different types of dry rock for cheap. Shipping will add a little bit to the price but its pretty reasonable if you go with ground. Some people get their base rock from Marco Rocks, I've heard mix results though (mainly that the CS isn't the best and it can take a while to get the rock). I've also looked around at a few other places and Premium Aquatics has some wet base rock for sale. Basically its the stuff they get in their liverock orders that isn't good enough quality to go in their premium live rock tubs. So they just sort it out and sell it for cheap. I haven't gotten around to asking them if it'd hurt anything to just have them ship it ground. Might have a little more die off since it is wet but if you're buying it for the rock anyhow big deal. Wash it good and let it cycle .

[Spedward]

I picked up some Eco-Rox from BRS recently.... nice stuff, and pretty quick to get it. Not a bad price either.

[reeferstace]

Check out reefcleaners.org. I was checking out their macroalgae online this morning and saw that they have very reasonable baserock. Shipping is also cheap. I have no experience with them though so all I know is what is on their website.