Rock ID

[heathd.hd]

So what us the composition of this rock is it safe? Very cool piece with awesome hiding places for my inverts. Had it in the tank for 6 months. Just wondering if it's creating algae problems for me.

 

[heathd.hd]

Looks like it's almost crystals.

 

[heathd.hd]

Hmm nobody with ideas?

 

[Reefing Madness]

Not a clue.

 

[heathd.hd]

No geologist in the forum huh? Lol. Idk I think I'm gonna junk it. Worries me

 

[fishroomlady]

where did it come from? It looks like it has coralline on it, no?

 

[heathd.hd]

It was a live piece from lfs I bought but the more I learn the more it scares me. It's been in my tank for a year. It's super cool just looks more like some sort of crystal type structure not old coral. Idk.

 

[fishroomlady]

well, if you're concerned about it, I agree to just get rid of it...better safe than sorry

 

[heathd.hd]

Tends to grow a dark green algae on it more than purple coralline. There's also a area on it that looks is white like crystal and will not grow algae. Cross section of it seems to have rings like a tree.

 

[heathd.hd]

It's got holes top to bottom everywhere. So it's a great hiding place. My humu humu trigger I used to have slept in it. Alot of my blue legs camp out in it also. This is why I like it but..... Is it going to keep bad algae growing in my tank is my worries.

 

[heathd.hd]

So I've done some research and this would be a lava rock formed from lava and crystallized uh. Yah. Some people say it's fine. Others say leaches silica and metals. Idk. It's all over the place in Hawaii I guess. Hmmmmmmm

 

[heathd.hd]

Lava Based Rock - I would not recommend the use of lava based rock be used with the intention of it providing a suitable environment for the colonization of marine life. Being a silicate based rock, the crystalline make up of such rock is far too jagged or sharp for most life forms. That and it tends to be a great deal less porous than the calcium carbonate based rocks. There is also the concern that being lava, it could contain other elements that within an enclosed system could pose toxic concerns.

 

[heathd.hd]

Quoted from chucks addiction.