Turface As a Grow Medium

[cat2wisson]

I'm looking for an inexpensive grow media to try for my first ebb and flow aquaponics system.

Has anyone ever tried using Turface as a grow media in a grow bed? I have used it in planted tanks for a long time and it is a very light clay based media and doesn't seem to compact very easily.(and it's affordable, Under $20 for 50lbs)

Any thoughts or Suggestions.

Cat2wisson

[Ueberwinden]

Cat I have seen turface used in different types of gardening including bonsai. It's kind of a large grain clay pebble. I use it when I do tree preservation work, it helps to improve the drainage. It is also used on sports fields for the same purpose to maintain good drainage. Let me know how it works out for you.
Michael

[GaryD]

Hi Cat,

I'd never heard of it before you mentioned it. I googled it and it looks interesting.

Keep us posted. I'd be particularly interested to know about its durability.

Some forms of expanded clay media are more robust than others.

Gary

[cat2wisson]

The system I'm building is going to have 2 grow beds and 1 raft bed, I was looking at the turface I have the other day and I think that the grain size is going to be too small for the grow beds, I'm worried about it clogging the bell siphons, but I think I'll try it in some mesh pots for the raft bed I am going to make. Anyone know a good place to order mesh pots online for a raft system(either 2 or 3 inch pots). I haven't been able to find them anywhere locally.

[fuj]

I have used turface with planted fish tanks and bonsai trees. I am just atempting my first aquaponic system and was considering using turface and cinder mix as my media. I am worried that it might hold too much water. but like you said it is very cheap 18 for 50 lbs about 2 cubic feet.

[cat2wisson]

Since I wasn't able to find mesh pots locally for the floating raft bed, I found some regular 3.5 inch plastic pots, I put about 1 inch of pea pebbles in the bottom so the turface wouldn't fall out the bottom holes then filled the rest with turface. The water level in the pots comes up about 1/2 inch into the turface, then there is about 2 to 3 inches of it above the water level, the surface is just a little damp. I'll let you know how it turns out, I've planted some lettuce and basil into them today.

Gary, your question on its durability, I've had it in one of my tanks submerged for over a year and it doesn't seem to beak down, but I wish the particle size was a little larger.

If you do try it make sure you get the correct turface, there are several kinds. The one I'm using says Turface Athletics MVP and its in a natural clay color. The make it in gray and red I believe, which you don't want, the color will wash out.

Cat2wisson

[GaryD]

Hi Cat,

Thanks for the information on Turface.

What is the particle size? Is the material consistent in size or does it vary a lot?

You can order net pots online from most hydro shops.

Gary

[cat2wisson]

hmmm, the particle size is hard to describe, about 1/4 the size of pea gravel or slightly smaller. Ill try to take some pics when I get a chance.

[Pugo]

Just my opinion but the size seems small, which means you will whole more debris which in the long run will force you to clean your growbeds more often.. I think the best media size is 20mm which allows the bed to flush easier and keeps debris from building up so fast. But Like I said this is just my opinion.

[GaryD]

Hi Pugo,

The size of the media would be less of an issue in the case of a system that was fitted with effective mechanical filtration. Plant roots would then be the limiting factor. Growing plants with relatively small roots.....like lettuce and herbs.....would probably be the best choice for very small media.

Gary