ceramic ring vs lava rock. W/D material?

[solara]

Ceramic rings and lava rock, which one is cheaper and which one works better? is there any alternative material to use to keep the bacteria in a w/d.
In addition, does any one know the role of each material being use in the W/D and any recommendation?

 

[TheCanuck]

ceramic noodles/rings , are the best for canister filters and fully submerged jobs.

You have to be very misinformed to believe lava rock does anything but ruin tanks.

 

[JakeH]

Anything with a lot of surface area will make good W/D media. I like to mix as many different surface types as possible to suit many different bacteria types (nature likes it messy). I personally use Biomax, ehfisubstrat, PVC rings, vinyl tubing rings, scrubbies, and cut-up AC50 foam blocks all mixed together. I've also heard of people using cut-up straws, plastic bottle caps, wads of fishing line, even plastic army men from the dollar store! Anything clean & sterile with a lot of surface area.

 

[killerfahaka]

if you what cheap then scurbbies are the best. I would avoid lava rocks...