A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners
Media Based Systems
Information
This is a group for members who grow using media, such as gravel, Hydroton, expanded shale, etc.
Members: 197
Latest Activity: Nov 13, 2017
Discussion Forum
What media do you use?
Started by Sylvia Bernstein. Last reply by Dave & Yvonne Story Feb 4, 2015. 45 Replies 2 Likes
I'm a big fan of Hydroton, although I know it is crazy expensive...but you will have it forever. Lightweight and easy on my hands. Even looks nice. Ok, I know I'm sounding like a girl here. What…Continue
Tags: media, grow, community, aquaponics_forum, aquaponics
Siphon Guard
Started by Stephanie Bader. Last reply by TCLynx Oct 8, 2012. 19 Replies 0 Likes
As anyone ever used a siphon guard like this one? or made one like it? And how did you do it? Any pro's or cons to using one like this?…Continue
Perlite
Started by Eric Warwick. Last reply by Eric Warwick Oct 4, 2012. 11 Replies 0 Likes
How and for what purpose could you use perlite or vermiculite? Since these growing mediums are cheaper than hydroton and take the guess work out of buying gravel (bring some vinegar and baking…Continue
Tags: alternatives
Grow Beds
Started by Sylvia Bernstein. Last reply by Hydroponics Curacao Jul 29, 2012. 10 Replies 0 Likes
Tell us about your grow beds. Rubbermaid tubs? …Continue
Comment Wall
Comment
-
Comment by David Hart on December 21, 2011 at 4:09am
-
Comment by Dave & Yvonne Story on December 20, 2011 at 6:58pm
-
these need to be washed, prior to being used with fish.
-
Comment by Mörður Gunnarsson Ottesen on December 20, 2011 at 6:41pm
-
I am studying horticulture but I don´t know what aquaponic or hydroponic stones (other than hydroton and lava rock) are. Could you elaborate further on these stones?
-
-
your retailer for hydroton should have hydroponic stones.
the hydroponic stones need to be washed, then they are safe to be used with fish. I buy these stones in bulk, wash them and sell them for $0.50 per liter in a bag of 40 liters plus shipping.
-
Comment by Sheri Schmeckpeper on December 20, 2011 at 3:02pm
-
Interesting chart, Dave!
We use Hydroton because of the ease of use. It hold ample water for the plants. We adjust the pump timer to adapt to the temperature & humidity, or lack thereof here in AZ! A year ago hydroton was abut $50/bag & now it's down to a little over $35/bag, so it's getting more affordable.Where do you get the aquaponic stones? Can't find a website.
-
-
Is it possible to buy these stones online?
Don´t think that they are made here in little icy Iceland.
-
-
University of Arizona
the R&D was completed at the CEAC. Controlled Environment Agricultural Center
-
-
Dave, can you put in a link to UA's tests?
What does UA stand for?
-
-
I am a big fan of Murray and his CDs. He does not rinse off his hydroton, back when he used it. Water is scarce in Australia. I tried not rinsing the hydroton in my first bed. That was a big mess. I have washed ever since. About a year ago, UA did R&D for a grow media made of recycled glass. The lab tests were very impressive. Aquaponic stones are very light and porous for great bacterial growth and easy to work with when planting. It is not made for aquaponics, but I process it for an aquaponic application. I now have two beds doing great. It sells for about half the cost of hydroton.
-
Comment by Murray Hallam on December 12, 2010 at 1:08pm
-
I am a fan of media based grow beds. They are simple and very effective. I have several beds that are filled with CANNA clay. A product very similar to Hydroton. Works great.
Also have several 3/4" gravel filled grow beds.
All my grow beds are 1' deep although I have run some 6" deep ones in the past. I believe you can grow almost anything in a media based grow bed as part of an Aquaponics system.
© 2025 Created by Sylvia Bernstein.
Powered by
You need to be a member of Media Based Systems to add comments!