base rock-lava rock

[samier]

festive greetings.
Can anybody help on this. pls tell me what is base rock and lava rock. Can i use it in my marine tank? I was thinking of using these type of rock for the bottom of the aquascaping and then packing live rock on top of it and in front (reason being on saving on some cost)would this be a no no or can it be done. would these rocks affect my water quality in any way. thanks in ad vance.

 

[wrightme43]

Lava rock can have inclusions of metal bearing, copper, silver, zinc, iron and all sorts of other metalic atoms that will kill or at least harm your reef tank.
Base rock is ok sorta, if it has been exposed at the surface and is called reef bones it will be saturated with phosphate and cause problems. The best bet is fresh live rock from the reef.
Now this is my opinion and other people believe it is ok to use. I dont.

 

[samier]

Thanx wrightme. Some guys here in SA say lava rock is fine but i will read more bout it i have my doubts & when in doubt dont do it.

 

[wrightme43]

OH Yeah WELCOME TO REEF FRONTIERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!