Things You'll Need
- Cured lava rock
Instructions
Select a cured rock from your local aquarium supply store. Do not use other kinds of rocks as they might release metals and other unwanted substances into the aquarium. Foreign substances can disrupt the pH level and result in the death of fish, plants and crustaceans. Cured lava rock is also called live rock because it contains bacteria and crustaceans that are necessary for healthy saltwater aquarium life.
Avoid using uncured lava rocks. Uncured lava rocks are rocks that have recently been taken from the ocean. These rocks contain bacteria that will not survive in your saltwater aquarium. As they die off, they will release toxic levels of ammonia into your tank. Lava rocks that have been in an operational tank for more than a month are considered cured.
You can buy cured live rock at your saltwater aquarium supplier or online. Buy 1 pound of rock for every gallon of saltwater your tank holds. Stack big, heavy rocks on the bottom to form a firm foundation, with smaller rocks on the top. Check your pH levels regularly after adding rocks to ensure that they are not polluting the water.