volcanic rocks

[dbn1]

Hi everyone ,looking to start scaping a new tank
and thinking a few rock with plants etc would look
ok ,has anyone used volcanic rock ,i know where i can
find a few on the side of a lake but not sure what
they might leach into the tank water ?

[gomgom]

If those are the same as me in France, use only Brown/dark red pieces. Blacks one are dangerous because of iron they got in it

[Gerryd]

Hi,

I see a lot of usage of this type of rock at my lfs...

That said, there is a test using acid (hydrochloric iirc???) (be careful) that will foam/fizzle when poured on calcareous rock.

These are good candidates for moss and fern/anubias arrangements, as the texture of the rock itself lends itself to attachment by the plants..

[Htomassini]

Actually most scapes using lots of hc and glosso are actually grown on the lava rocks and placed together to make it look like a field. Lava rocks are also used for bio filters. True lava rocks will not impact ph. Just be sure that you rinse then of any other sediment.


Henry Tomassini
www.theplantedaquariumstore.com
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jerrybforl]

Since I took a geology class not too long ago I don't think there should be a problem with them.

Actually most scapes using lots of hc and glosso are actually grown on the lava rocks and placed together to make it look like a field. Lava rocks are also used for bio filters. True lava rocks will not impact ph. Just be sure that you rinse then of any other sediment.

Henry, IMO, lava rock isn't very good to scape with. It's light and floats. There are some volcanic rock that is heavy and very nice looking.

Here are some ex. of volcanic rock...









These are all types of volcanic rock.

That said, there is a test using acid (hydrochloric iirc???) (be careful) that will foam/fizzle when poured on calcareous rock.

Gerry it's called effervescence I'm sure these don't effervese. You can use vinegar to test as well. If the rock fizzes, don't use it.

Enjoy the pics and research the rocks. It was fun learning about them and how they were made.

[Htomassini]

I'm sorry for not clarifying, I was referring to the man made lava rock. It is heavy enough to sink. It is also used in landscaping and in BBQ grills.




Henry tomassini
www.theplantedaquariumstore.com
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[jerrybforl]

Larger pieces will for sure, but smaller ones they tend to roll around a little. I use them in my 75 gallon and this is my biggest problem. Little ones, size of a golf ball, just don't stay. I'm going to have to pull them out and use another, heavier, rock to form some borders that I set up.

But the larger pieces are nice and will stay....no doubt.

[ShadowMac]

I use the man made landscape lava rock all the time. I have a big bag of it. Great little pieces to tie moss, ferns, or anubias to. I never have an issue with them moving or floating. Very handy to have around.

[jerrybforl]

I've used them as a border and they don't really hold well in place. They are good to tie things to that I do agree.

[Tom Barr]

Pele wants them back.