Are you considering Red Lava Rocks for your landscaping or, more importantly, as bio-media in your aquarium or pond filter? You’re not alone. Lava rock is often touted as a cost-effective bio-media solution, especially for larger filtration systems in ponds or multiple aquariums. However, as a seasoned rock enthusiast at rockscapes.net, I want to share a crucial piece of information: not all red lava rocks are created equal.
For years, genuine lava rock has been recognized for its porous nature, boasting countless nooks and crannies that provide an ideal surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. This porosity is what makes true lava rock such an effective bio-media, facilitating the nitrogen cycle essential for healthy aquatic environments.
But here’s the catch: what many stores sell as “lava rock,” particularly the red variety, is often not the real deal. In my experience and that of fellow enthusiasts across the country, much of what’s marketed as red lava rock is simply red rock – a less porous and less effective substitute. These red rocks lack the intricate pore structure of authentic lava rock, significantly reducing their efficiency as bio-media.
You might find bags labeled “Lava Rock” at big box stores, but upon closer inspection, you might discover that you’ve purchased bags filled with these impostor red rocks. While these might work for landscaping around your bushes, their value as bio-media is questionable.
A pond supply store owner in Florida, with over 40 years of experience in crafting filters, echoed this concern. He advises staying away from “faux lava rock” from major retailers, emphasizing its inefficiency as bio-media. His insights, shared in an article on http://www.wernersponds.com/biofiltermedia.htm, highlight a widespread issue in the market.
So, how can you ensure you’re getting genuine red lava rock if you intend to use it as bio-media? Look for rocks that are visibly porous, light in weight for their size, and exhibit a texture filled with holes and crevices. If the red rocks appear dense and smooth with minimal surface irregularities, they are likely not true lava rock and will underperform in your filtration system.
For the dedicated hobbyist seeking reliable bio-media, especially in smaller aquarium setups, scientifically engineered filter media like Seachem Matrix remain a top recommendation. While genuine lava rock can be a cost-effective alternative for large-scale applications when you can source the real material, the inconsistency in the current market makes it a less dependable choice for critical biological filtration.
In conclusion, be a discerning buyer when sourcing red lava rocks, especially if your goal is biological filtration. Question whether you are getting true, porous lava rock or just red landscaping rocks. Your aquarium or pond’s ecosystem will thank you for choosing wisely and potentially opting for verified, high-performance bio-media solutions when authenticity is uncertain.
