AXIS calcined diatomaceous earth

[Tom Barnhardt]

Has anyone every thought of using Axis as a grow media? I am thinking of trying a test bed to see how it performs. I would liek any feedback. Thanks !!

[TCLynx]

I don't know the particulars about AXIS.  I know there can be good things with diatomaceous earth in some situations but there hasn't been too much testing with it that I know of.  I've heard of a few products that actually tend to have a rather low pH which could be a problem with aquaponics (since the bio-filter struggles to convert the ammonia as the pH drops and people using stuff like maidenwell have struggled to keep the pH high enough and there has also been question about the zinc levels in low pH systems with such media and it being especially bad for trout and some other aquatic creatures.)

 

That said, I'm all for hearing how testing goes provided you are armed with a bit of research to be prepared for some of the possible challenges of the media.

[Tom Barnhardt]

I have read that the PH is around 7.1 and that it is inert. I will let you know how it goes once I am up and running.

TCLynx said:

I don't know the particulars about AXIS.  I know there can be good things with diatomaceous earth in some situations but there hasn't been too much testing with it that I know of.  I've heard of a few products that actually tend to have a rather low pH which could be a problem with aquaponics (since the bio-filter struggles to convert the ammonia as the pH drops and people using stuff like maidenwell have struggled to keep the pH high enough and there has also been question about the zinc levels in low pH systems with such media and it being especially bad for trout and some other aquatic creatures.)

 

That said, I'm all for hearing how testing goes provided you are armed with a bit of research to be prepared for some of the possible challenges of the media.

[Steve Perreault]

Tom - I don't know where you would get "AXIS calcined diatomaceous earth". If you know of a US supplier, please share - particularly a supplier in the Northeast where I am (Rhode Island). The maidenwell diatomite that TCLynx mentioned is only available thru a Canadian supplier (near Niagra Falls) and has a pH of only 5.7 according to their MSDS datasheet Diatomite MSDS. I may test this media by mixing it with PermaTill which has a pH of of about 7.5. That is, if it's not too expensive.

[Tom Barnhardt]

Here is the web page http://www.axisplayball.com/AXIS.htm so you can read more about it. I have been in touch with the distributor on the east coast located out of Pittsburgh. He is sending me samples of the different sizes in comes in. When I speak with him again I will ask where you can purchase it direct in RI. The PH on the spec sheet is stating 7. When I checked last time a bag of 50 pounds was around $7 but it was fine like rice. I will let you know what I find out.

[David Waite]

Interesting article. If it holds as much water as they say it makes sense the wicking ability would be great as well. Hope they make it in a 3/4 in size for grow beds. Keep us posted and thx.

[Tom Barnhardt]

I received the sample of the Axis DE today. The screen size is 4 - 6 mesh. Paperwork shows a PH of 7. I will start testing everyday to see if it holds at 7. The sizes look like they will work fine. I filled an 18oz cup with the Axis material then I added water till the cup was full. It took only 12oz of water to fill the cup.