Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just wondering if anyone has tried using rock dust as added nutrients? I was finding the seasol was getting a bit expensive, but without the added nutrients, was not getting any fruiting, and yellow leaves. I could actually see on the plant where I had added seasol to the system, as it corresponded to where the fruit was - this was most evident on the cucumbers.

I added a 1/2 inch layer of Fishers Creek Rock Dust (it looks like concrete), and washed it in with the hose, and now it is (the cucumber) fruiting constantly, and the new growth looks great. Will be interested to see how long it lasts, but I expect a while. It is just 100% crushed volcanic basaltic rock.

I will add some photos later...

Snakes,

The Speraneos, one of the real AP pioneers, used rock dust as their only additive. I have found that a good sea salt (one that has all the mix of trace elements and nothing added) is just as good or better. The late Dr. Maynard Murray did a lot of research on this with terrific results. If you look up either the Speraneos info, or Dr. Murray's, I am sure you will find good info on both, ie: how much, how often, etc.

Mathew

Wow, thanks Mathew. This was actually suggested to me by a soil doctor from Sydney, who said it was an old hippy secret or something I am certainly very happy with the results so far!

Here is the information off the bag...

Haven't seen that "brand" before Snakes... there's been considerable discussion in the past about using "rock dust"...

Most members have used "MinPlus" .... http://www.minplus.com.au/index.html


Or "Rock On" .... from .... http://www.orchidimages.com.au/index.html

Just be careful to check your pH when you use it... can be quite an effective buffer...

Wow, thanks. Haven't seen it discussed before - interesting... Are those other products finely crushed too? This stuff is like concrete...

Yep... like chalk powder.... search the forum on "rock dust", "minplus", "rock on"...

Cool, thanks Rup

now you have me hunting for it, do you have a supplier, I will have it shipped Australia post

I've got a lot of gravel in the system. Does that count.

I've seen "MinPlus" in Bunnings Jessy... and even "Rock On"... but that might be because it's local to this area...

Rock On is a product of an Orchid business... and may well be available through that sort of channel...

Too good ROZ, will look for a web site and buy on line tomorrow

Looked for a supplier here in the US. Found one with glacial rock dust 50 lbs for about $20... But they wanted $35 to ship it.....

Doesn't suprise me , it looks like cncrete, they all recoo thinking it probably might weigh in the same vercinity

I am going to try and get 10 kg 's shipped throught the post ......probably the cheapest option, for $ 18 AUS