Disposable hydroton alternatives

[MPL]

I hate washing hydroton (clay pebbles) and it would be a big expense to just throw them away. I'm spending too many hours per cycle dealing with these stupid rocks and I badly need an alternative that has similar H20/02 retention levels but that I can just toss into the garbage.

I thought about using Coco croutons (chunks) but have found very little feedback regarding this. It also seems to cost about the same as hydroton.

I run F&D and prefer this method.

I thought about not using any medium at all but doing so almost necessitates going LP or HP aero or something similar. I'm very unlikely to do that as the gains over F&D seem statistically marginal and since this isn't a hobby I can't risk pump failure/emitter blockages/salt buildup etc. Not to mention converting everything over from F&D to aero or NFT or whatever would be prohibitively expensive.

Thanks!

 

[St. Phatty]

styrofoam peanuts as growing medium ?

I think it could be done, but I don't know if I'd want to smoke the result.

 

[FRIENDinDEED]

you ever though about those decorative stones? a lot of ppl that are having a hard time dealing with cleaning hydroton or hydroton period talk about it like its a god send

 

[jayt]

How are you washing them? why not buy a used washing machine and use that to clean them. It works very well.

 

[MPL]

I hadn't thought of using a washing machine. I think I have room for that.

 

[jayt]

Just don't use it for clothes after. The rocks beat it up a little but who cares. Wear it out and buy another. You can find them cheap or free on cl.

 

[PetFlora]

I was on a mission to eliminate hydroton

Best I found (and 100% reusable) is polished ornamental stone

Roots don't stick but do wrap around it

Easily removed from roots and cleaned

In small quantities Dollar Store

 

[GodsCronik]

I was on a mission to eliminate hydroton

Best I found (and 100% reusable) is polished ornamental stone

Roots don't stick but do wrap around it

Easily removed from roots and cleaned

In small quantities Dollar Store

I am using GrowStones in my DWC, they are cheap and I wont be reusing them.

 

[MPL]

Hmm

 

[Chriscrete]

im having the same thoughts/issues as you right now....maybe the washing machine is the answer, then again maybe not....but on the east coast clay pebbles are starting to be hard to come by cuz of all you damn medical states,lol...we both gotta figure something out tho, ill be watching this thread, good luck

 

[br26]

Lava rocks are a great alternative from expensive mediums such as hydroton. When done growing with the stones they becomes full of tiny roots from the channels running through them. For this reason, it should not be reused. They accumulate a fair amount of salts when using synthetic nutrients. Rinsing the stones periodically during the flowering cycle is a kind relase of salts from the plants. Rinsing the rock initially to remove the dust and fine particles is also a good idea. U can obtain them from any home repair place or landscaping company. 0.5 cu ft goes for about $4.00.

Stop making so much garbage by composting or putting the stones back into the environment. The guys at taco bell will wonder why the rocks are multiplying and taking over the sidewalks.

 

[jump /injack]

Why not use coco and recycle it, use it over and over. There are growers doing this now who have small operations, check out the Forums, lots of information.

 

[PetFlora]

Lava rocks are a great alternative from expensive mediums such as hydroton. When done growing with the stones they becomes full of tiny roots from the channels running through them. For this reason, it should not be reused. They accumulate a fair amount of salts when using synthetic nutrients. Rinsing the stones periodically during the flowering cycle is a kind relase of salts from the plants. Rinsing the rock initially to remove the dust and fine particles is also a good idea. U can obtain them from any home repair place or landscaping company. 0.5 cu ft goes for about $4.00.

Stop making so much garbage by composting or putting the stones back into the environment. The guys at taco bell will wonder why the rocks are multiplying and taking over the sidewalks.

Lava rock sloughs too much (sand).

Polished ornamental stones are 100% reusable with ZERO residue

 

[MPL]

I'm still working on this. I'm starting to consider rockwool. That's how much I dislike cleaning mediums. it's either that or a NFT or Aero set up...

I'm currently using silica rocks. I don't think those ornamental stones are practical. I need hundreds of liters worth. Those little bags of stones at the dollar store are what, 250mL max? I could buy out all the dollar stores in my city and still not have enough.

 

[Miraculous Meds]

Pea gravel or some stone of equal size might be an alternative. Turface is what a lot of people use or the stone that people use for bonsai. U could get a truckload from landscape co.'s.

I wouldn't use coco in flood and drain. Ive read that it doesn't do well. Something about bottom feeding coco and salt buildup on top of it.

Those stryrofoam peanuts would just float up and out. lol

 

[cyat]

al from gardenwebz bark mix... workin great... using bell siphons and no timers, so nonstop flooding and draining

cocoloco mixed with oildri is workin great too!