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Anonymous

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No, but I think it would be ok since most of Hawaii is lava rock and they seem to have great reefs there. There is even "The Black Beach" which consist of all lava granuals (black sand).

BTW, :welcome:
 

lutkamom

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Most lava in the world is composed of basalt (dark brown to black in color, like Hawaii's lava rocks). Basalt exposed to ordinary seawater at low temperatures (like in your aquarium) undergo alteration that results in the uptake of potassium by the basalt and loss of calcium, silica, amd usually magnesium" (The Geochemistry of Natural Waters, 2nd ed., James I. Drever, Prentice Hall 1982, p.277-280). That is saying that the basalt will release calcium, silica, and magniesium in to the water. However, Drever goes on to say that if the pH rises too high, the basalt may remomve magnesium from the water. At what pH this happens, Drever doesn't say, but since the pH of the ocean is so consistent it's safe to assume something way above a ph of 8.2, but best to keep an eye on it.

Lisa
 

lutkamom

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The other issue with basalt is how sharp the rock grains can be if they are "fresh" and not weathered. Basalt contains alot of glassy minerals and can be somewhat dangerous to you and your aquairium animals--so look for "weathered" lava.
 

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