Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I tripped over a few sites and/or forums stating that the makers of Hydroton are closing up shop b/c the particular clay source is no longer producing.

No idea how much truth there is to it but figured better to get more eyes on it to be able to confirm/deny....

Has been for a while, that is why so much Chinese and indian stuff on the market now

So... do we know the origin of Plan!it??

Hydroton has resumed production.... after problems between business partners... and with a new "clay" source...

But the new clay source isn't meeting consistant quality standards at the moment... and production is essentially limited... while they sort out the problem(s)

Besides the Chinese. Thai.. and Indian products.. there's been a plethora of US products on the market as well...

Some are actually US produced... most are rebaged/rebranded overseas imports...

Since posting this, I finally had time to make a phone call to my local Quikrete plant (30 min away). They actually get their SLA from these guys... http://www.norliteagg.com/

Haven't checked with them yet but I can only assume that I'd be able to piggyback an order onto a truck making a delivery for Quikrete.

Thinking if I'm ever in need of one (or 20) ton of grow media this may be a potential source...

I hope to start my home system soon and have been looking for suppliers of the bits I need. I'm thinking of 4 grow beds of 300 litres each (to be made from IBCs). Started looking for Hydroton in the Melbourne/Geelong area. Came across a Melbourne distributor offering 50 litre bags for $35 dollars. Emailed them to confirm whether they did indeed have Hydroton in stock. Message came back to say they have two kinds of clay, one for $25 for 50 litres and the other is $35 for 45 litres. No mention of names. Have emailed again to confirm brand names. Still waiting on reply.
Cheers,
Marty

The 45L bags are probably Canna clay and it is very good. No clue on the other

The sub-quality of the clay in question would have only to be an issue to hydroponic sector, apparently it has a high EC/CF reading, 99.99% of the AP population does not even test the EC (I'm the other 0.0001)
There are various names and uses for this type of aggregates, (building and insulation, horticulture, filtration system, landscaping)

They come in differnt size (4-8mm)(8-16mm) and different shape (plain round or rough shaped) some it's harder then others but I guess that depends entirely from the type of clay.

some other names:
Hydrokorrels
hydrocorn
hydroleca
LECA
expanded clay
hydroton
clay pebbles

Just heard back from the supplier that the dearer item is Canna and is "like Hydroton" and comes from Holland. The other is from China. They have an on-line catalogue which still lists Hydroton but gave me no reply regarding its availability.
Cheers,
Marty

Noticed at bummings yesterday that they are stocking the german made hydroton again. $60 for 25L

Lol. Bummings - probably a good description of their service.

Well Wesfarmers need to make a profit somewhere to fund the dollar a litre milk in coles etc