Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

1. ask stores to price match each other and buy from the one that is most convenient. I've purchased from three different shops and all were MORE than willing to price match. One even said ‘I’ll do better then price match I’ll beat it’. It was marked $36 and I got it for $25 on a 50lt bag. Also if you see a palet full of it that means they got a bulk discount (probably 20%) and has more room to go lower.

2. If a near by store don’t carry it ask them to special order. Sometimes it’s a few dollars more to special order but gas and time savings could make it worth while. Many hydro stores buy from a central supplier like sunlight Supply who carriers a wide rang of items so they may already be receiving frequent shipments from them.

Ohh btw I told them I was doing aquaponics and they asked if they could buy my fish waist

you can by expanded shale for about $60 a cubic yard from living earth.

I have been using it exclusively for about 2 years now. Over time i do develop some issues with clogging due to the small diameter. The solids build up and cause water to not seep into the bed as well.

I am going to try larger diameter river rock mixed withe expanded shale in my new grow bed that i am building.

it's heavier and may not be ph neutral but much more cost effective.

brian