Mini Lava Rock 2.5kg

Mini Lava Rock 2.5kg

Mini Lava Rock is a natural volcanic rock aquarium substrate for freshwater and planted tanks. It suits aquarists who want a natural-looking base layer that also gives beneficial bacteria plenty of surface to colonise and plant roots something to anchor into.

Key Benefits

• Made from 100% natural lava rock, so it is a natural substrate choice for all freshwater and planted aquariums.
• The porous structure of lava rock gives beneficial bacteria excellent surface area to settle on, which helps maintain stable, healthy water conditions.
• Supports planted tanks by encouraging strong root development and nutrient circulation around the roots.
• The natural volcanic look adds character to a tank and helps an aquascape stand out.
• Low maintenance: it will not alter water chemistry and is easy to clean.
• Two grain sizes let you match the substrate to your layout, from fine and delicate to bold and coarse.

How to Use

• Rinse the lava rock thoroughly before adding it to your aquarium.
• Spread it evenly across the tank bottom to form a functional, attractive substrate layer.

Suitable For

• Freshwater aquariums of all kinds.
• Planted tanks and detailed aquascapes.
• Nano to medium-sized aquariums. Each bag holds enough substrate for tanks in this range.
• Natural riverbed-style layouts (finer grain) and bold, open layouts (coarser grain).

Choosing a Grain Size

• 3–5 mm: a fine grain, ideal for delicate aquascapes, planted tanks and a natural riverbed look.
• 12–15 mm: a coarser grain, well suited to bold layouts, improved water flow and colonisation by beneficial bacteria.

Specifications

• Material: 100% natural lava rock (volcanic rock)
• Bag weight: 2.5 kg (5.5 lb)
• Bag dimensions: 24 x 30 x 6 cm (9.4 x 11.8 x 2.4")
• Water chemistry: will not alter water chemistry

Available Sizes

Available in two grain sizes: 3–5 mm and 12–15 mm.

What's Included

• One bag of natural mini lava rock substrate, measuring 24 x 30 x 6 cm (9.4 x 11.8 x 2.4")

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to rinse the lava rock before using it?
Yes. Rinse it thoroughly before adding it to your aquarium, then spread it evenly over the tank bottom.

Will lava rock change my water parameters?
No. This substrate will not alter water chemistry, so it is a low-maintenance choice for freshwater setups, including those with the harder or softer tap water found in different parts of South Africa.

Which grain size should I choose, 3–5 mm or 12–15 mm?
Choose 3–5 mm for fine, delicate aquascapes, planted tanks and a natural riverbed look. Choose 12–15 mm for bolder layouts, improved water flow and more space for beneficial bacteria to colonise.

Is it good for planted aquariums?
Yes. It is described as excellent for planted tanks, where it encourages strong root development and nutrient circulation. It is also safe for all freshwater and planted tanks.

What size tank does one bag suit?
Each bag holds enough substrate for nano to medium-sized aquariums. The amount you need will depend on your tank and the layout you want.

Why does the porous structure matter?
The porous surface of lava rock gives beneficial bacteria excellent surface area to colonise. This helps keep water conditions stable and healthy.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

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Delivery times to lockers and pickup locations typically range from 2–7 working days, depending on your location.*

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• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
• PUDO Lockers: Collect within 36 hours of receiving your collection PIN or SMS notification.

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