Von Bronze
New Member
Hi there,
I'm new to the forum and currently embarking on my first aquascape!
I'm keen to collect my own hardscape locally and many sources state that basalt is a safe, igneous rock for aquariums.
However, basalt was formed from "magnesium and iron-rich lava"
Some of the same sources will say that you need to avoid rocks with metal, or metal ores. Some pieces I've collected do have patches of iron oxide on the surface. See photos.
Does this mean that the online sources are wrong to list basalt? Or does it just mean a lump of ore is bad but surface iron/iron content is okay. I'm aware iron is sometimes added as a nutrient for plants.
Any advice would be amazing and much appreciated!
I'm new to the forum and currently embarking on my first aquascape!
I'm keen to collect my own hardscape locally and many sources state that basalt is a safe, igneous rock for aquariums.
However, basalt was formed from "magnesium and iron-rich lava"
Some of the same sources will say that you need to avoid rocks with metal, or metal ores. Some pieces I've collected do have patches of iron oxide on the surface. See photos.
Does this mean that the online sources are wrong to list basalt? Or does it just mean a lump of ore is bad but surface iron/iron content is okay. I'm aware iron is sometimes added as a nutrient for plants.
Any advice would be amazing and much appreciated!