Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm brand new at this and trying to set up my first little system. Trying to buy a growing media and hydroton seems to be the consensus choice. Every online source for it though seems to have comments complaining that this particular brand is no darn good, full of broken and crushed pieces turning to mud. See it on Amazon and Home Depot. When I look at the websites of smaller companies they seem to have the same brands but tend not to have comment sections. Getting pretty frustrated.

Can anyone recommend a brand and or source for good expanded clay pebbles; or an acceptable alternative for them. The closer to west Tennessee, USA the better, but a trusted source anywhere would be better than what I have now.

Thanks in advance.

Howdy and welcome. I've bought Lord knows how many bags of these clay beads http://www.homedepot.com/p/Viagrow-50-l-ViaStone-Hydroponic-Gardening-Medium-Grow-Rock-VS50/202985175
Free delivery here in New Mexico.

Hiya skillet, I've found expanded clay is good for some plants but anything growing tall tends to fall over. I use the clay beds for low growing plants and root crops. It is certainly easier to plant in though. Most of my beds are a mix of clay and gravel.
Canna clay is my choice.

I am really happy with the grow stone products mixed with medium red lava rock. By itself grow stones float and move too much .

It has helped lighten the load in my project.



http://www.growstone.com/about/products/

DanaPT, boss, skeggley,
Thanks for sharing the wisdom of your experience. It is fun, frustrating, and a little frightening starting something brand new. But probably healthy too, especially for geezers like me. There is no store in my little city selling aquaponics stuff. Made acquaintance with a local second generation nurseryman who may change that though. Anyway, to move the ball a little farther downfield, I ordered a couple bags of Hydroton from Amazon. The plan is to start a second slightly larger system in a couple/few months and your suggestions will not have been forgotten.