Base Rock?

[dstalfire]

Can you all tell me what you use for base rock? Is this something I have to buy at the LFS or can I get it at home depot? Can I use Lava rock?

Thanks

Dan

[Buster4900]

I purchased 50 pounds of base rock from Hirocks.com. It took them about three weeks to ship and they did not answer emails. But I received nice rock.

I have heard of Tufa rock for base rock. My LFS sells it for fairly cheap compared to live rock.

Not sure about lava rock and I do not think HD would have the rock you need but who knows. Curious to hear other comments.

[elkinsda]

I used Tuffa Rock that i got from my LFS

[Shooter7]

I believe hirocks, and I know reeferrocks, are out of business now. Capt. Jer of reeferrocks retired due to back problems and has the business up for sale. Really sucks because I have some reeferrocks base rock in my tank and I love it. Had been planning another order when I found out about this.

[meco65]

I would not use the lava rock more than likely to many minerals. And you never know what melted together to form it.

[sir_dudeguy]

ya both of those are out of business now.

[J. Montgomery]

Definitely don't use real lava rock, its full of heavy metals. Pet stores carry a fake "lava rock" that is a by-product of smelting, which is fine to use.
I would stay away from everything that you typically think of as "rock", b/c its not porous, all it will do is take up precious volume without givinig you the hiding places for bacteria and critters.