Can Beneficial Bacteria grow on Lava rocks

[Ralph]

All of us in this hobby will know that beneficial bacteria will grow on bio-media that we place in the filters, but other than that, does it grow on rocks? After all, in marine set-up, these bacterias do grow on the "live rocks", so why not in a freshwater set-up?

I don't think it is possible on the volcanic rocks but what about the lava rocks?

I am asking, because I have some lava rocks in my tanks (the reddish looking one), those looked like they do contain organic matters and do look like bacteria can have their place on it. There is always this very strong "clay, musky" smell whenever I handled them, which does not wash away easily.

[IrvineChen]

I think should be possible.. since BB also grow on decoration in aquarium

[Shadow]

Beneficial bacteria grow every where not just your filter media, it grow on your substrate, rocks, wood as well.

[Ralph]

So technically, we can even move the rocks to an entirely new tank, and that new tank can be cycled much fast due to the existing BB?

Beneficial bacteria grow every where not just your filter media, it grow on your substrate, rocks, wood as well.

[Shadow]

Not sure about how fast can it speed but yes it can help speed up.

[IrvineChen]

But do note that some BB might die off when you transfer them over to a new tank... they are living microorganisms, and need to acclimatise properly.. haha...