Hi Brian,

While awaiting approval to post in the Canadian Group, I'm dropping a message to folks who look close by on the Map. Are you still involved? 

Pete

Here is the link to their site, I had the name wrong, it's Beachwood Lava, seems to be same weight as the red and black lava but the size was better, fewer chunks over 1 inch, and it looked like it was going to be easier on the hands.

http://www.fishertopsoil.ca/mulches.php

I picked it up at Fisher farms here in London, they are one of those landscape places that sell and deliver topsoil and stuff. i bought 4 five gallon buckets for $10 that would have been $80 for the same amount in expanded clay, and it weighs about the same. The down side is the particle size is less consistent but I can deal with that for the price difference.

I am hoping to pickup some tomorrow, I will ask if they know someone down your way that carries it. I was told that it is mined here in Ontario or Quebec.

yep seems there are only a few on here from this side of the lakes but it's all good. Let me know what you are looking for I might be able to help. My biggest issue was finding a media within my budget - hydroton is awesome until you calculate the cost for a sysstem of any size. I ended up using reclaimed brick at first, and now i'm working with some Brentwood Lava rock I picked up from a landscaping place. Anyhow, good luck with your system let me know if I can help.

Cheers