Grow Bed Media

[dan0178]

I have read a lot about the different media types to use in grow beds. It sounds as though the clay pebbles are the preferred media, but where do I get them? We don't have a specialized hydroponic shop here (any more), so I'm not sure where else to try.

Are they something that Nurseries might supply?

Any suggestions would be great.

Dan.

[melulli]

Hi Dan,

you may be able to get some from an online hydro shop. just search and something should come up, although freight may be a killer. It's called Hydroton

Cheers
Ulli

[TrinityAquaponics]

If you can't find any hydroton locally and don't want to purchase any online you could look into gravel. Murray Hallam of Practical Aquaponics uses 3/4" gravel in some of his systems. It's important not to use gravel containing limestone since the limestone will raise your pH. Gravel is far easier to find than hydroton, but it's harder on your hands to work with. But, the angular sides lock together to provide more stability to the plants, once again according to Murray Hallam.

[GaryD]

Hi,

Aside from being hard on the back and hands, 20mm (3/4") gravel is good for use as a media.

I recommend that the media depth be limited to 150mm (6") because it halves the overall weight, makes the bed easier to clean and makes absolutely no difference to how the plants grow.

Gary

[Pugo]

Well, My growbeds are 150mm gravel and the plants grow great. No problems what so ever with the plants growing. Now those darn bugs are another issue..:)