Where do I get lava rock to modify for aquarium?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
T

tcarswell

Polypterus
MFK Member
Dec 6, 2008
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I love the lava rock look and I want to stack some in my tank but obviously at LFS prices its obscenely expensive. There is not a rock quarry nearby (though there is one at my second house if that is the only option) There is a lowes nearby.. Anyone know where I could acquire a few 4 or 5 pound rocks that are aquarium safe I have all the tools to make them purdy :)
 
4-5lbs isn't going to get you very far. I got enough tuffa rock to aquascape my 30g (tuffa is EXTREMELY light by the way) and it was still about 30lbs.

Look and see if there is a landscape supply company anywhere near you. Better yet, go ask the LFS where they get their rocks. If it's a small one, chances are it's a local supplier.
 
^^^agree, garden center is your best bet.
 
BTW, what fish are these for? If you're doing it for hard water fish, then Tuffa rock might be your best bet. When done just take some sandpaper and run it over to remove the sharp/rough edges.
 
Its going to be a bichir tank with needlefish and leaf fish .
Thanks guys I had not thought of that! Our water here is naturally hard would the rocks contribute to that? Id rather have the water be softer. Also does it change the PH ?

PS the tank is 55 gallons and I want to have the lava rocks hold up slate shelves. I can sand and drill and do anything I need to with the rocks in my garage. I like lava rocks because as im told they help with beneficial bacteria by having a large surface area.
 
They are good for bio filtration but I ahve heard that they will clog over time and you can't get the pores clean and they end up being useless. I'm not sure how true this is but something to consider if you were only using them for filtration pruposses. But since you're not go with what you like.
 
Yeah I have plenty of bio between my eheim canister and undergravel filter (Powerheads) and HOB filter . I like the look :)
 
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