Diatomite

[majikalex32]

i have a ebb and flow system with 30litre pots, and am currently using hydroton. i was considering changing to diatomite for various reasons, mainly silica and apparently this medium has little or no salt buildup.

 

has anyone had any experience with this? i have been growing for years with hydroton watering 15mins every 3 hours and have had no problems.

 

 

i was going to use a finer grade diatomite http://www.maidenwell.com/ 2mm-7mm.

 

also any suggestions as to how high to flood the pots? im currently flooding only the bottom third as hydroton floats, the root mass stays restricted to approximately this area, so i was considering filling the pots to a higher level ie half way even more in an attenpt to increase the root mass as diatomite doesn't float

 

i have heard alot of positives about this medium. any feedback appreciated.

Edited May 13, 2006 by majikalex32

[everest]

i started using it ages ago in with my soil mixture then stopped after it seemed to retain too much water , since been using it on my outdoor cycads with great results .

 

i swapped back to real large grade perlite with better results

 

ev

Edited May 12, 2006 by everest

[majikalex32]

you used large grade perlite for an ebb and flow system?

[everest]

you used large grade perlite for an ebb and flow system?

 

sorry to confuse you mate , stoned again

 

no i used the perlite in dwc & in my soil mixes .

 

ev