Firegear Outdoors · Maintenance
Firegear Fire Media Loading Guide
Firegear publishes a 'How Much Media' guide that spells out exact weights by disc size. The pattern is the same across the line: lava rock as a base layer to cover the burner ports, then decorative fire glass or fire rocks on top. Over-loading sooting, under-loading hot spots.
By Rob · Updated November 8, 2026
What you need
- Lava rock (base layer)
- Fire glass OR fire rocks (decorative top layer)
- Dry media — never wet
- Cotton gloves for handling fire glass (keeps oils off the glass)
Step by step
Reference Firegear's 'How Much Media' guide for your disc size
The 'How Much Media' guide (on firegearoutdoors.com/resources) lists exact weights per disc size. A 29" round disc needs a different weight than a 29" square disc — do not estimate.
Load lava rock as the base layer
Lava rock covers the burner ports and provides the thermal mass. Load evenly to just cover the burner — don't bury it.
Add decorative media on top
Fire glass OR fire rocks or ceramic logs sit on top of the lava rock base. This is the visual layer. 1-2 inches deep is typical.
Verify no burner ports are exposed or buried
Exposed ports = hot spots and discoloration on the disc. Buried ports = yellow flame and sooting. Adjust until the burner ports are covered by lava rock but not drowned by the decorative layer.
Common mistakes
- Using decorative glass as the only media (no lava rock base). Fire glass alone shifts, pools, and leaves burner ports exposed. Always use lava rock as the first layer.
- Overloading media to 'fill' a deep bowl. Choked airflow = yellow flame + sooting + possible warranty void. Follow Firegear's weight chart.
Hands-on tips
- Buy the Firegear fire glass and lava rock together as a kit — the colors are matched to the brand's aesthetic and the volumes match the disc size.
- Save a small reserve of lava rock for annual top-up as rain and wind shift the layer.
Questions people ask
Can I use river rock or decorative stone instead of fire glass?
Only use media rated for gas fire features. River rock contains trapped moisture and WILL explode when heated. Fire glass, rated lava rock, and ceramic log sets are the only safe options.
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