Refugium question

[ericsch12]

Hello,

I was wondering if there is anything wrong with using black or red lava rock as bio media. It is very similar looking to Pumice rock and you can get 50 pounds of it for 9 bucks at home depot. Whats your thoughts?

 

[my.PsychReef]

If it is for the refugium, just put in some live rock/or dry rock (that are recommended for reef tanks)+ some macro algae and let things grow by itself. Try not to use lava rock as we are uncertain about the chemical composition (leaching heavy metals, etc) and long term effects it has on reef tanks and on marine habitants. Cheers!

 

[Eagle_Steve]

If it is for the refugium, just put in some live rock/or dry rock (that are recommended for reef tanks)+ some macro algae and let things grow by itself. Try not to use lava rock as we are uncertain about the chemical composition (leaching heavy metals, etc) and long term effects it has on reef tanks and on marine habitants. Cheers!

Agree with this. Lava rock has too many unknowns. I have seen people use it and it leeched heavy metals. We are talking about turning a poly pad into a rainbow in 20 minutes.

 

[ericsch12]

Actually found some nice purple Fiji rocks that were porous. Would of worked well but my build it yourself Refugium two pumps failed and drained 30 % onto floor over the first night. Did learn to cut glass and make my tank, but now i need to figure out foolproof plan for the water flow. My thought are the pond pumps were not quality enough. the upwards pump was vibrating in the morning but not water flow so i think a particle probably stopped propeller.

 

[slayertx]

Hello,

I was wondering if there is anything wrong with using black or red lava rock as bio media. It is very similar looking to Pumice rock and you can get 50 pounds of it for 9 bucks at home depot. Whats your thoughts?

Yes as others have stated it has to many minerals specificly iron. If you are truly just after bio media and on a diy budget. plastic pot scrubbers, luffas, and many other items you can find at the dollar store have lots of surface area. That's what your after in the end.