Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I just filled a wheel barrow with water, then shoveled the scoria in, then tipped the wheel barrow to drain the dirty water. The residual dust rinsed out in my system.

I made a small, 4 x 4 screen filter out of a few scrap 2 x 4's and some hardware cloth. Dumped the rock onto it, then rinsed it off and shoveled it into GB's.

I found these examples from other members.




Member: Mrbinks808


and...


member: Johny5

Mine was more like Mr. Binks, only square. I could only load a wheelbarrow at a time, didn't make sense to make it to big. Just make sure to get the correct sized hardware cloth for your particular rock. You can check Craig's list for people getting rid of rock also. Lava rock is expensive, about 100 bucks a yard here. I think it has the most BSA though. I'm lucky enough to get some"leftover" rock from jobs occasionally, so I can save a bit.

A hundred bucks a yard... That is cubic right? Vastly less expensive than hydroton.

uh oh, another word I never heard of "Scoria," Damn this learning curve. http://www.pitt.edu/~cejones/GeoImages/2IgneousRocks/IgneousTextures/8PumiceScoria.html
Scoria and pumice take vesiculation to the extreme. Scoria is an extremely vesicular basaltic lava with very small (< 1mm) vesicles. You can find scoria all over North America: The red variety of scoria (it also comes in black) is commonly used as landscaping pebbles at Taco Bell. Landscapers know this rock as lava rock.
Pumice is a froth of felsic volcanic glass. It is rock foam with so much air in its structure that it often floats on water. Close examination of fresh pumice shows its glassy nature. Older, weathered pumice looses its glassy appearance (volcanic glass rapidly breaks down when exposed to water), but it is still lightweight and feels abrasive against the skin." Sheesh another word " vesiculation" Anyway, I think I can get this gray one here in northern New Mexico.
Brian

Boss. lol I did the same thing when I first read "scoria". Then I realized I've installed several hundred tons of the stuff...just never heard it called that here. Lava rock = scoria
Ron, yes 27 cu ft. and yes still way cheaper the Hydroton. My best price was $32.00 at home Depot for appx 1.8 cu ft. or $480.00 per yd. But, I still don't mind paying for a few bags to top off the rock..so much nicer to plant and deal with.

After having dealt with both, I have to say I prefer scoria. It is so much more stable.

Unless you are afraid it will ruin your manicure....

at one time I was considering building with pumice, or at the very least building a giant Easter Island style head with pumicecrete for the hill top we live on.

I got the idea that Scoria is the geologists word for what we all call lava rock. This stuff is seriously exfoliating but its still not much heavier then the clay media considering its still a rock.



Its funny the article cites Taco Bell landscaping. Who knew I could have scored free Lava Rock at 3am just around the corner.

Introducing Taco Bell's new Break your teeth Scoria Breakfast Sandwich.


And if you still didn't smile...try this out.


Above: KTLA Channel 5 News Clip

^^ This is too funny! Thank god the news helps protect us with proper information.

So that would be cost effective, but I would check the PH levels outside their front door area before you go to too much trouble.

I saw that as well. Only problem I see is their 24/7 hours

Tell me that wouldn't be cool as hell sitting on top of the hill here in New Mexico. The stuff is supposed to be easy to cut too.

I agree 100%, in my mind I would make a miniature one that looks like this photo, if the perspective is correct and its viewed from the proper part of your hill... like a stopping point in your pathway.

yes, you see it. replete with sunglasses and climbing helmet. I can't do miniature though, hehe