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HammyHaus
 Post subject: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 15th, '17, 04:17 

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Can you use water beads as grow media in aquaponics? thanks
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scotty435
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 16th, '17, 01:08 
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After a look around online I'd say probably but there is a lot I don't know so take my answer with a grain of salt (definitely look for fish toxicity information and an MSDS). These probably use sodium polyacrylate as the absorbent material which is used in a lot of products like diapers and added to plant media. I have read that they can cause plumbing problems if they get into a plumbing system.

This is pretty neat - http://www.mebiol.co.jp/en/product/
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HammyHaus
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 16th, '17, 03:40 

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I'm not very worried about the water beads going through my water piper as the water will go up and over the water beads, sprinkling down onto them, and the drainage holes will be too small for the water beads to pass though. Also, can water beads house biological bacteria? Thanks!
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smatthew
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 16th, '17, 09:44 
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I'm a middle school science teacher, and last year I had students experiment with different growing mediums in hydroponics & aquaponic settings.

One popular medium was water crystals, which I believe are similar to Orbeez. Lettuce grew fairly well in the water crystals, but the crystals started growing algae pretty quickly.
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HammyHaus
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 16th, '17, 09:49 

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I'm kind of worried about algae, especially since I live in a tropical climate. Also, I am a middle school student (8th grade) so I guess this project is good for me? Thanks!
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HammyHaus
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 16th, '17, 10:10 

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smatthew wrote:
I'm a middle school science teacher, and last year I had students experiment with different growing mediums in hydroponics & aquaponic settings.

One popular medium was water crystals, which I believe are similar to Orbeez. Lettuce grew fairly well in the water crystals, but the crystals started growing algae pretty quickly.

sorry, didnt quote
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smatthew
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 16th, '17, 10:22 
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HammyHaus wrote:
I'm kind of worried about algae, especially since I live in a tropical climate. Also, I am a middle school student (8th grade) so I guess this project is good for me? Thanks!


Definitely give it a try!
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HammyHaus
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 16th, '17, 10:24 

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Ok, thanks! my aquaponics system should be up and running within 2-3 months, as I have to order most items.
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Tonzz
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 16th, '17, 14:08 
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regards news we hear, I would have thought water beads would be the least of your worries.
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DanaPT
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Aug 20th, '17, 22:10 
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Tonzz wrote:
regards news we hear, I would have thought water beads would be the least of your worries.



Like not starring at the fireball as it could blind you?

:naughty:
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Anngower54
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Mar 17th, '19, 11:04 

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HammyHaus wrote:
Ok, thanks! my aquaponics system should be up and running within 2-3 months, as I have to order most items.



Hey please make sure to update us! I've been curious
About trying this myself.
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thorn
 Post subject: Re: Water Beads (Orbeez)
PostPosted: Apr 27th, '20, 13:12 
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I thought about using water beads when they first came out years ago but couldn't find any definitive research on what might be leached into the water from them after prolonged use. Same goes for rubber mulch. Still wish acrylic gems price would come down so it'd be more feasible to fill a growbed cheaper.
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