Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Sorry if this is posted somewhere else. I looked and didn't see anything. Growing media. I've read some nasty things about hydroton balls. Anybody have any issue with them. Anyone find they like something better, ie grow stones? I've read about not being able to grow root crops well in AP. has anyone tried a GB with sand? Or something smaller then say pea gravel? Thanks!

Hi Doc, expanded clay has been widely used in aquaponic systems around the world and I believe it has had a very good reputation. Don't know what might have been reported as nasty, except for perhaps the cost. We have been using it in systems here at the display centre for more than five years and there are many systems that have been using them longer than that. They have been used extensively in hydroponics.
Here is a link to a media trial that we undertook it may be of some interest to you
http://ibcofaquaponics.com/guide-to-aqu ... ing-media/
Happy reading and feel free to ask any more questions or just use the search function.

Faye, thank you.
"Nasty" was in reference to a few sites claiming that it was not responsibly mined, that it broke down in the system, created problems for pumps with magnets in them, clogged drains, messed with Ph etc. I read the first link you gave me. I'll look more for grow stones. See what I come up with. I'll keep looking for ways to perhaps grow a root crop. Maybe I'll even run an experiment or two. I'll post pictures of course. Happy pon-tinkering

Doc Brown if you want to grow root crops do a search for wicking beds. Sorry but I can see you will be up till all hours here. It happens to everyone when they get the AP bug. If you want to show off the rest of your garden there is always the Backyard Farming forum

Doc brown
I went with local creek gravel. Inexpensive, already contained required bacteria, and it contains shells.
Down side it's Ding-Dang heavy , needs to be washed to get sand out, usually only available in large qty. ie. a bucket scoop from a backhoe or bob cat.
If you have a large system expanded clay materials can affect next Christmas's budget.
jim