I know this is an old thread, but I'd kinda like to get an idea of everyone's favorite GB media - I gave up on 'lava rock' from the hardware store (I think it was some kind of manufactured stuff that eventually dissolved - (not like the lava we had in Idaho along the roadways years ago) - Pea Gravel worked well for me, but I think I could have used some Scuds to keep down the sludge, I know some people swear by the Hydroton,or coco mats (like they use in Hydroponics), but I'm curious what everyone else is using/experimenting with nowadays
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I am using black and red cinder (lava rock). It is a pain to clean but I read that it provides aded nutrients to the plants. If I use this would I still need to add iron?
Thanks,
Don
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i like hydroton, but it's too expensive.. it went out of production and last i heard they were having problems with the quality of the clay..
river rock has been working pretty well for me (#57)
I am also looking into a suitable grow bed media now.. currently i have (the local version of) Hydroton under investigation as well as Perlite, both of which i can get 100L for 50€ which seems to be the cheapest alternative. I currently have a small batch of expanded clay used in construction works but that media floats so that will do me no good in the grow beds, as it will move around and/or overflow the bed.
Anybody have any experience with Perlite?
Also, anybody tried charcoal beds? from what i have found out this evening that might be a viable alternative
How about rock wool? would it be worth it to pack the beds with it and maybe add some expanded caly or stones on top just for show?
i want to keep my beds lightweight so i'd rather not go or gravel..