BBQ Heat Rocks?

[Gemini]

Would it be safe to use BBQ heat rocks as background rocks in the aquarium? I'm trying to make my own african rocky background and can not find lava rocks in a small enough size so I was wondering if I could use the rock things you use to start a BBQ. Would they be safe?

[labnjab]

I would think they would be loaded with chemicals that would harm your fish, expecially ones used to start the grill.

[Gayle]

I do not really know what you mean by bbq rocks. But I would think the same, the probably have chemicals on or in them.

[riot]

I bought a bag of lava rock at walmart for less than 4 dollars and it had plenty of the smaller rocks in it. It breaks up pretty easily too. I made red sand substrate from the lava rock I had left over from my 29g tank just by crushing it.

[smaug]

Would it be safe to use BBQ heat rocks as background rocks in the aquarium? I'm trying to make my own african rocky background and can not find lava rocks in a small enough size so I was wondering if I could use the rock things you use to start a BBQ. Would they be safe?

If its natural lava rock then it will be safe for use just soak for a week or so and rinse well.As long as it hasnt been used in the grill yet!

[Northernguy]

that stuff is really dusty and you may want boil it first.Sounds like a neat idea,post pics if it works.

[Gemini]

Thanks everyone. Yeah I wasn't sure about what they might do to the rocks before they sell them. In Aus we have no volcanoes therefore no lava rock. Or so a whole bunch of LFS and landscape places told me over the weekend. I got a LOT of really weird looks asking for lava rock. I'll head out to the supermarket and see if they say on the package what is in there...

[benjie_eb]

I bought a bag of (Brown) BBQ Lava rock at local store, couldnt find black
- cleaned by straining in water till dust was gone
- boiled it real well twice
Its been in my tank since June no change in water qualities.

[Gemini]

Does anyone in Aust know of anywhere I can get Lava rock???

[fins_n_fur]

Try looking at shops that sell gas grills or gas BBQs, like a hardware store or garden store or even a discount department store.