Quote Originally Posted by privet01 View Post
Seems that the forum has been having technical issues the last four or so days and no one, including myself, have been able to reply to any posts or even view them while logged in. So hopefully that accounts for the lack of responses.

I think you got some answers elsewhere, but just so I can throw in my opinion...........

Most lava rock is probably inert. So certainly that will make it good for a drainage layer. It's porous and should favor the growth of beneficial bacteria which help maintain your water quality.

The lava rock I've had in the past tends to be sharp, so I don't like it to be exposed to the frogs to crawl over. It's used in aquariums quite a bit. Not without it's nay-sayers though.

It's probably more a question you should ask of a geologist. Is all lava rock created equal in terms of whether it does or does not leach bad stuff into the water?? I don't know. If I had a cheap source for lava rock compared to other options, I'd certainly try it and see.
Thankyou privet01 for your response!

I'm glad to hear about technical difficulties because I was wondering why it was so quiet and was a little disappointed about it.
I hope it perks up soon!

Thankyou for the info on lava rock. Does it crumble easily?

Its sounds good.
I'm also considering charcoal but I can't find much info on it as a drainage layer, and I would hesitate to use it in an aquarium filter (not that I use filters in my couple of tanks), but I do worry about its "absorbing" qualities. What else does it absorb other than "toxins". But then it does reach a saturation point so maybe that's no so bad.
I also read about iron oxide coming out of clay balls on one site... Pick your poison I guess?

Thanks!

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