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| Tower matrix media http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=29200 |
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| Author: | ido_zilb [ Oct 23rd, '17, 06:48 ] |
| Post subject: | Tower matrix media |
Hi guys I'm looking to make a few grow towers and was hoping for some suggestions. What should I use as the body of the tower? Considering food grade, safety and such. Would regular 'Home Depot' PVC pipes work fine or would it compromise the integrity of the system by leeching some chemicals or whatnot? Do you know of a square substitute? Also, what's the ideal matrix media? Polyester? Reticulated foam? If you know of a place that sells this material that is known to be used in aquaponics? I saw in a thread something about recycled water bottles and he said he would sell this product, though I didn't see any information. (http://backyardaquaponics.com/forum/vie ... =18&t=7414) Appreciate the help |
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| Author: | IDL [ Dec 7th, '17, 05:07 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Tower matrix media |
Use sewage pipe, it is not pressure rated and will not poison your plants b/c the pipes go in the ground normally and would poison your trees if it did. |
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| Author: | IDL [ Dec 7th, '17, 05:07 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Tower matrix media |
oh, and pvc fence post gives you 4 sides, so consider that as well! |
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| Author: | dstjohn99 [ Dec 22nd, '17, 23:28 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Tower matrix media |
I use vinyl fence posts because I came by several for free. 6" square and they work great for strawberry towers. I filled them with lava rock. Re-planting is a bit of a challenge but it's been working for 3 years now. |
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| Author: | A2Z [ Jun 21st, '21, 15:55 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Tower matrix media |
dstjohn99 wrote: I filled them with lava rock. Re-planting is a bit of a challenge but it's been working for 3 years now. My first system to my third are filled with lava rock. The later being straberries. Starting at the bottom add plant then rock, plant, rock to the top. A bit labor intensive. Plants are still doing well. However, I feel like there may be root growth restriction. Which may impede growth? Since then (early spring) I switched from the rock to just a length of fiberglass screen rolled up many times around the supply tube. Shortly thereafter went to a less screen more natural media. Tall grass wrapped just a couple times with screen. Not sure how long it will last. Bu it sure cut down on planting time while reducing root growth restrictions. What do you think? |
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| Author: | dstjohn99 [ Jun 21st, '21, 23:34 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Tower matrix media |
Interesting idea, I hope it works well. I had grow towers with lava rock for several years with strawberries. They were difficult to replant and I finally got rid of them after my fire incident. Keep us posted on the screen / grass progress. |
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