Lava rocks for growing medium - good choice?

[kapton]

Anybody using lava rocks for growing medium?

Saw a link where the builder recommended it for the porosity and surface area for the bacteria.

Thanks for any feedback.

[davidstcldfl]

Hi kapton, I've read where people are using it...it is pretty light, generally PH friendly. And like you mentioned...plenty of surface area. But, it's mighty tuff on the hands.

[davidstcldfl]

Amen to that brotha. It's like the S&M of growing media. Well..., mostly M.

[dufflight]

It would provide a lot of trace elements when it breaks down.

[elaidlaw]

Crushed lava rock (we call them cinders) is the most common GB media here in Hawaii. It's not that rough on the hands, and it weighs only about 1/3 as much as pea gravel.

[rfeiller]

the black lava of HI is wonderful for quick drainage used for orchids, anthirums etc. red lava that is prevelent here in CA tends to break down quickly in aquatic filters and as a planting medium for like bonsai.
the black lava is excellent for nitrification in bio filters, be sure and sift it first, the very fine particles will eat up your impellers on the pumps. i've use it successfully in wet dry aquatic filters for systems servicing several thousand gallons.
i would never recommend the red lava. just my 2cents.