Anyone using lava sand instead of silica sand?

[Flip_Side_the_Pint]

A friend who grows bonsai gave me a small bag of red lava sand. Its basically like crushed up lava rocks like one would use in a nep mix. Has anyone tried using this instead of silica sand or in combination with, for their ceph mix?

 

[Jcal]

i havent, but off the top of my head i wouldnt see any negatives using it. if i had it i would rinse it and give it a go!

if you have a concern let it soak in water and use your meter to see if the ppm goes up over time.

 

[kulamauiman]

Yes. My standard nep mix is mostly lava rock

 

[Flip_Side_the_Pint]

I use the 1/8"-5/8" red lava rock for my neps as well. I have a "kitchen sink" mix I use that has everything anyone would use in a nep mix. Maybe I'll start using the red lava sand in it too.

My Ceph mix is pretty basic its just peat, perlite, sand and vermiculite. I think I'll try adding this red lava sand as well. I will wash it though as suggested, since I do that with all my aggregates anyways.