Why not perlite for recirculating drip?

[Dr.RedWhite]

It is inert, holds moisture, does not affect PH, can be fertigated many times during a light cycle and roots seem to like it. On the other hand it is dusty but that can easily be handled. So why not?

 

[stoned-trout]

there is no reason .. it works fine....

 

[GrowerGoneWild]

My only concern with any media is crushing into a powder and getting into the res, I think a good rinse in a strainer should work. Same goes for hydroton, I rinse before use.

I think it would work, but in the long run its not tough like hydroton. Seems like you would be wasting alot from cycle to cycle.. that would be a mess... And seems like everytime you move, scoop or whatever it just crushes it more.

I would adjust my water times or delivery with drip with pearlite. It runs so much wetter, I probally use something closer to rockwool timings.

My grow bro used to love pearlite, seemed like he used it everywhere, clones, moms, flower. He did pretty good with it.

 

[stoned-trout]

I did it for a few years.. built troughs at slight tilt lined with plastic and also converted my nft trays...worked fine and I got the perlite from home depot cheap... old perlite was added to soil mix when building my own potting mixes....

 

[aridbud]

Like others, if sediment blocks the tubing, then you have to dink around with it. Otherwise, it's a good grow medium.

 

[Dr.RedWhite]

I filter any solution before it gets into the res and the pump I have also has a filter on it. I figure it would be good for several runs before it breaks down too badly. Speaking of hydroton how heavy would 2 1/2 gallons of it be?

 

[foomar]

Perlite works very well in attic grows where weight can be a problem , light to carry up loft ladders and puts minimal extra weight on roof timbers that were never designed to bear a heavy load.

Only downside is there is minimal support for a larger plant but fine for scrog , and the media holds little nutrient.

 

[Dr.RedWhite]

The support issue is easily covered and if your doing it right you often have to provide some support for your buds anyway.