Burying lava rock?

2676 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Boreas, Oct 14, 2016

Boreas

Discussion Starter · Oct 5, 2016

I'm going to be aquascaping a peninsula tank in the near future, 48L x 30W x 24T. It's viewable from both long sides and one end. My idea is to build up a ridge in the middle and plant from there.

The first idea I have is to use lava rock and bury it in whatever substrate I plan on using. Lava rock is cheap, light weight and porous.

It being porous might be a good or bad thing. I imagine eventually anaerobic bacteria will cultivate itself on the rocks. Is this safe? I've heard two sides to this tale. Salt water tanks encourage anaerobic bacteria in order to process nitrate out of their tanks. The other side is that some anaerobic bacteria is poisonous. Or is it moot, as very little water would be flowing into my substrate.?

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Opare

· #2 · Oct 6, 2016

A lot of people use lava rock as base layer for substrate so you are good to go. You know all that ADA Power Sand and stuff? Lava rock.
Another way to build height is the flow cells which you could then fill with lava rock if you want. Just know you need a way to cut the flow cells as they can be quite tough.

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SeeF1L

· #3 · Oct 8, 2016

flow cells

Opare said:
A lot of people use lava rock as base layer for substrate so you are good to go. You know all that ADA Power Sand and stuff? Lava rock.
Another way to build height is the flow cells which you could then fill with lava rock if you want. Just know you need a way to cut the flow cells as they can be quite tough.

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What are flow cells?

I just posted somewhere else that I was considering lining the tank with plastic wrap and using spray foam for ponds. You can mold it and create planting areas without the landslide. Rocks and substrate will keep it down. What you think?

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SingAlongWithTsing

· #4 · Oct 9, 2016

SeeF1L said:
What are flow cells?

same stuff as drainage cells

Basically this stuff they use in lawns:

Atlantis 30mm Flo-Cell - Rainwater Collection and Stormwater Management

Turf Cell - Reinforcement Structure - Rainwater Collection and Stormwater Management

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mrfiock

· #5 · Oct 13, 2016

Also light diffusers for ceiling tiles or egg crate that's actually made for aquariums now. They also disperse the weight of any large stones you might add to the set up.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/black...-square.html?gclid=CKzq1LrL1s8CFc2BfgodSPYGIg
They're used the same way as flow cells. You can find them at Home Depot or the like too.

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