lava rock or more scrubbies?

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billm90

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Mar 19, 2008
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I am building 2 sumps for my 180 tank. (DIY)

I have 2 small drips trays and a large drip tray.
the first tray is filter floss
second is scrubbies. maybe 30 scrubbies per tray.
the large 3rd tray I have full of lava rock. maybe 5-10lbs.

Should I ditch the lava rock for more scubbies, or keep what I have?

I have read lots of conflicting data on lava rock as being equal to bioballs, and then being no better then a rock. which is it?
 
Depending on how small the pieces of lava rock are (smaller pieces=higher surface area), the lava rock could actually be better than bioballs. It provides a very coarse surface for organisms to adhere to and probably directs the water every which way to run it over as much surface area as possible before it leaves the filter. Stick with the lava rock if the pieces are real small... otherwise, maybe a switch is a good idea(personally, I'd probably stick with the lava rock no matter what. Save some money!!).
 
I disagree. Lava rock is not good for bio filtration as the pores clog easily and you might as well throw some plain gravel in there. See here for surface area comparison. You'll see the scrubbies blow away lava rock in bio balls in terms of surface area

http://wernersponds.com/biofiltermedia.htm
 
this is what your sump should look like! :cheers:

DSC06034.jpg
 
lava rock will clog up more easily and though it has alot of surface area, alot of the holes probably dont go through the rock so you dont have as much circulation.
 
Just wondering here. is the lava rock getting a fair comparison?

The lava rock pictured in that link does really have any pores. The lava rock I picked up is the small rocks, and there seems to be a lot more pores. I'm not saying this makes it any better. but does it? lol

If one were to drill a hole through every piece of lava rock, would it come close to say ceramic rings given it was more pourous then the lava rock pictured?

Im leaning towards more scrubbies now due to ease. I have a pond I can throw the lava rock at since I want to add a DIY filte ron that as well.


as far as costs... I already spent a small fortune on the tank and DIY sump stuff, plus over flow PVC and return pumps. I could probably easily fit in another 360 scrubbies. I think that is antoher 45-60 bucks. provided I can find that many in one store. lol.
 
lava rock submerged under all the scubbies
 
Yeah, I guess I didn't really answer your question. IMO, lava rock can be better than bioballs, provided it isn't acting as a mechanical filter as well (i.e., you have a sponge prefilter for mechanical), and provided the pieces are very small and porous. However, everyone here is most certainly right that scrubbies are more than likely more biologically active and somewhat easier to maintain.
 
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