Lava Rock Vs Eheim Substrate Pro

I am planning to try my hands on DIY Sump for freshwater aquarium. Which would be better for BB to grow: Lava Rock or EHEIM Substrate Pro?

I read that Lava rock is good for reducing Nitrate and NOT Ammonia and Nitrite. Is that true. It is porous and should behave like Substrate Pro or ceramic rings. If I use Lava Rocks, Do I have to use Substrate Pro as well for Ammonia/ Nitrite reduction?

Thanks - Asrar

 

Lava rock is okaysh in my opinion but if money isn't problem I would go with eheim substrate Pro.
Lava rock is porous but those holes are big and get clogged up pretty easy.

Story about lava reduce nitrate I wouldn't count on it, nitrate you reduce by water change or chemical media as seachem purigen. And biological media as eheim substrate Pro is here to change with help of bb ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate.

Plus lava rock is ok but I think for same effect you would need 10 time more lava rock to have same effect as with some good biological media.

 

What size sump ?

 

What size sump ?

25 Gallon Tank

 

I
I read that Lava rock is good for reducing Nitrate and NOT Ammonia and Nitrite. Is that true. It is porous and should behave like Substrate Pro or ceramic rings. If I use Lava Rocks, Do I have to use Substrate Pro as well for Ammonia/ Nitrite reduction?

I think that's backwards. Lava rock is going to provide decent surface area for nitrifying bacteria (removing ammonia and nitrite), but not for denitrifying bactera (removing nitrates). Substrat Pro will support both nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, the former on the outer surfaces and the latter inside the media. The pockets in the inside of lava rock are typically not open to the outside, so no water can get in. Substrat Pro is a sintered glass product so has some level of flow throughout the product.

Some other thoughts for nitrate removal include Seachem Matrix, Biohome Ultimate, and pumice intended for hydroponics. You might also want to check out Dr. Kevin Novak's video on YouTube about biocenesis baskets. He has a very cheap approach he claims reduces nitrates to near zero.

Keep in mind that the establishment of the conditions needed for the bacteria to process nitrates can take up to six months, so don't be discouraged if you have to do water changes for quite a while to deal with the nitrates. With the right media and the proper conditions you should eventually get bacteria that will get rid of the nitrates.

 

JayH is correct with Lava Rock. Just to illustrate what he has said here is why Lava Rock is not the best choice of media.

Lava Rock is not porous at all. Check here.

Aquarium Information - Alternative Fishkeeping

 

I think that's backwards. Lava rock is going to provide decent surface area for nitrifying bacteria (removing ammonia and nitrite), but not for denitrifying bactera (removing nitrates). Substrat Pro will support both nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, the former on the outer surfaces and the latter inside the media. The pockets in the inside of lava rock are typically not open to the outside, so no water can get in. Substrat Pro is a sintered glass product so has some level of flow throughout the product.

Some other thoughts for nitrate removal include Seachem Matrix, Biohome Ultimate, and pumice intended for hydroponics. You might also want to check out Dr. Kevin Novak's video on YouTube about biocenesis baskets. He has a very cheap approach he claims reduces nitrates to near zero.

Keep in mind that the establishment of the conditions needed for the bacteria to process nitrates can take up to six months, so don't be discouraged if you have to do water changes for quite a while to deal with the nitrates. With the right media and the proper conditions you should eventually get bacteria that will get rid of the nitrates.

Thank you for the information and for recommending Dr. Kevin Novak's video. It was really great. Thanks again.