Wendy

[Belgian]

Hello Wendy.

From the pictures in your grow beds, it looks like you are using Hydroton

Would you be so kind as to tell me the size of the Hydroton and the store where you purchased it from?

Thank you

Belgian

[capnbrad]

hi belgian i live in the same area as wendy and i have actually scooped fish out of her system, the hydroton used is about 3/4inch sorry if your metric, and no idea where she got hers but almost any hydroponic shop carries it. i personally got mine in nelson at pacific northwest garden supply. hope that helps and good luck

[Wendy in BC]

Thanks Brad, I would also point out that hydroton is really really stupid expensive but wonderful to work with. It's worth thinking about a heavier medium on the bottom of the growbed like pea gravel or lava rock (lighter by far then gravel), and use hydroton for the top 4-6 inches

[Belgian]

Thank you for the answers !

I am having a bit of a time trying to find the proper size.

The small tiny stuff is available, but as was pointed out by some on this
Site more experienced than I, the small stuff would clog up.

I ordered some Hydrocorn, from Holland.

It should be in in 4 weeks time. There are a bunch of rumours swirling around, that the Hydroton has had a huge spike in sodium and they had stopped shipments of it. So, I said the heck with it and went on to something else. They are using this in Holland in hydroponics and are having no problems. I will find out, first hand when it arrives/
Thank you, All the best. Belgian

[Wendy in BC]

Good luck with the project Belgium. A huge spike in sodium can be easily washed away.

[capnbrad]

on murrays dvds he talks about just plain old 3/4 inch gravel, i would give that a try if price is a issue, i know around here a truckload is around 50$

[Murray]

3/4" (20mm) gravel is the go.....low cost and works a treat.
Just make sure there is no limestone in it otherwise you will never beat the high pH limestone produces.

Some go on about gravel being too hard on their delicate little fingers....

Buy one or two of these.......easy...

[tpilk]

If you are interested in 3/4" gravel, why not collect your own? I've been doing it for years with a couple of screens - one to control minimum size rock and the other for maximum. You just go down to the river and do your vinegar test ahead of time (or on the spot if the site is too far), then start sifting. Most everyone has a river, or old quarry around somewhere close...

I recommend river rock over gravel (crushed rock) - it's got rounded edges which are much easier on the hands

Pros:
it's usually free
you can screen for exactly the courseness you want
it's good, old-fashioned hard work and exercise

Cons:
It's good, old-fashioned hard work and exercise

good luck!