Lava rock in saltwater

[fishman1069]

Does lava rock breakdown in saltwater? If so, does it have any ill effects on fish or inverts?
I have a friend thats setting up a FOWLR and wants to use lava rock as his base. Im asking on his behalf. I was told that it would breakdown. Thanx for the help

 

[Lionfish718]

Should be fine I have it in my tank for over 1 year and no issues

 

[Affordable Aquatic]

It wont break down, but much of what is sold as lava rock is actually slag- a waste product of coal burning, or from steel mills. You cant be sure of the contaminants it contains.
Having said that, lava rock is pretty common in fresh water aquaria, but those systems dont typically support delicate inverts.

 

[TRIGGERMAN]

lava rock is fine to have in your tank I have used in fresh and salt tanks..it won't "break down" persay but it does have a tendency to break sometimes a piece might fall off here or there nothing crazy though I would say put it on top of the other rock.

 

[STHILL]

i have had a few pieces in my tank for 2 years and its been fine

 

[fishman1069]

Thanx for the replies guys!! I guess he will be using the rock lol I think it will give a nice contrast for a while, at least until there is coralline everywhere

 

[dubs]

i had a piece in my tank with no issues at all

 

[Master Shake]

may contain iron which can help lower phosphates like a phosban reactor

 

[ZANYMASTER]

Iron may lead to Dino flagellates.Happened to my 90g and had Lava in the sump but it may not have nothing to do with it but I did read that nuisance does feed off iron.