Backyard Aquaponics
http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/

perlite.. it floats
http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2086		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  timmy [ Sep 17th, '07, 11:20 ]
Post subject:  perlite.. it floats
Odd that i didn't think of this beforehand, but perlite floats. I just gave my first completed GB a test run. The autosiphon worked well enough (it's just a loop of hose), it left about 2 inches of water in the bottom of the GB but i assume tha'ts not a big issue.
The bigger problem, is the floating nature of perlite. will this go away when i plant stuff in there or does it actually float up and down a bit like pummus all the time?
Author:  RupertofOZ [ Sep 17th, '07, 11:55 ]
Post subject: 
It will become a little waterlogged over time, but not much......

Try putting a layer of gravel on top.
Author:  timmy [ Sep 17th, '07, 11:59 ]
Post subject:  Re: perlite.. it floats
hmmm, wouldn't the gravel just settle to the bottom of the bed?
Author:  RupertofOZ [ Sep 17th, '07, 12:00 ]
Post subject: 
Nope
Author:  timmy [ Sep 17th, '07, 12:08 ]
Post subject: 
what if i got some really course sand and mixed it in, that would probably weight it down enough?
Author:  RupertofOZ [ Sep 17th, '07, 12:11 ]
Post subject: 
Good chance sand would probably work it's way down through the perlite Timmy :D

It's smaller than the perlite....

Once planted out and growing the roots will bind the media together more anyway.
Author:  timmy [ Sep 17th, '07, 12:14 ]
Post subject:  Re: perlite.. it floats
yeah true. once it's bound together it'd float like a boat i think. i'll keep playing around until i find a solution
Author:  steem [ Sep 17th, '07, 12:50 ]
Post subject: 
I've got about 5cm of gravel over perlite - works like a charm. You just have to be careful when pulling out big plants (cabbage etc) not to drag the perlite through with the root ball.
Author:  creative1 [ Sep 17th, '07, 15:54 ]
Post subject: 
Timmy why would you try to perfect the wheel again?
Geez most of your post are very questioning, why don't you just do!
If you want to experiment, don't ask just do!
Where abouts in perth are you?
I am sure one of us would love to show you one of our installs!
C1
Author:  RupertofOZ [ Sep 17th, '07, 16:29 ]
Post subject: 
Actually that's probably a good idea Timmy, arrange a visit with Joel or TimC or one of the other members around Perth and eyeball an actual working system... perhaps some of the concepts might become more apparent when actually viewed and it would give you the chance to ask specific questions and get specific answers.

Whereabouts are you in Perth?
Author:  TimC [ Sep 17th, '07, 16:55 ]
Post subject: 
Mine is running off 6 goldfish and some marron at the moment but your welcome to come check it out...
Author:  timmy [ Sep 17th, '07, 22:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: perlite.. it floats
it's all done. I found some cheap river stones and put a layer on top, works like a charm. they are too wide and flat to get lost in the perlite as well.
Tested the pump, works good, autosiphons are going.
Only thing to do is add the fish now, which i'll do on my next break as i'm heading down to margret river for a few days of food and booze.

I'm in rivervale, near the belmont forum. i'd love to check out a working system. pictures of mine will follow soon as i can.
Author:  RupertofOZ [ Sep 17th, '07, 22:18 ]
Post subject: 
Timmy these a few people down Margeret River way...

C1, beej and Trevor (not active a lot)... and Mandurahguy at Mandurah on the way down....

PM them... if C1 has some time I'm sure he'll be glad to show you around :D
Author:  Tony From West Oz [ Sep 17th, '07, 22:36 ]
Post subject: 
Timmy,
If you are getting some SP or marron/yabbies while down there, I could use some here too.
I am in Bedfordale, on Albany Hwy, so give me a call if in the area.

Tony
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC + 8 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
https://www.phpbb.com/