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Hydroton is sometimes refer to as uprise rocks , but this could n’t be further from the truth .
This growing mass medium has explode in popularity in the United States , not only among hydroponics enthusiast , but soil horticulture as well .
It ’s been a democratic grow culture medium in Europe for decades . But what is hydroton , and why is this peanut - sized aggregate so utile ?
What Is Hydroton – Clay Pebbles?
Hydroton is a highly various Henry Clay substrate , sometimes look up to as clay pebbles or LECA ( lightweight expanded clay aggregate ) .
They ’re desirable for both aquaponic and hydroponic systems and their size and composition make them easy to handle and transport .
Also known as clay balls , expanded clay pebbles , and leca balls , hydroton is made of clay that has been heated to 2,000 ° degrees Fahrenheit in a circular kiln . The result is a little , orotund pebble fill with air bubble .
What Are the Pros and Cons of Hydroton – LECA Balls?
No substrate is consummate , but hydroton comes jolly nigh . count on your personal needs , they make an excellent alternative to rock candy wool , grow stones , perlite , or coco coir .
Understanding the pros and cons of this material is all important to successful ontogenesis .
The Pros
Environmentally - Friendly – Hydroton is a completely raw mathematical product that bank far less on clay than its nicknames propose .
As a result , it creates far less strain on the environment than other strip - mine clay products such as cat litter .
Even more of import is that simply rinsing the clay pebble can off any silt or other debris and reuse them indefinitely . Thus they wo n’t clog landfills or importantly contribute to clean minelaying over time .
prominent and extremely Porous – The larger size of hydroton pebbles permit for groovy infiltration than perlite , although its aura holding capacity ( AHC ) is n’t as high-pitched .
The size and contour mean hydroton is more immune to blockages , even when covered in biofilm or some debris gets catch between the pebble . This take a leak hydroton clay pebbles perfect for aquaponics medium beds and ebb & flow system .
Its AHC level provides expert aeration , reducing the risk of anaerobiotic zones , while the pore are able to carry a adequate amount of pee without store too much .
Plant - Friendly – Hydroton is baked in big rolling kiln at in high spirits temperatures . As a result , it ’s both sterile and pH scale - indifferent .
Paired with its ability to provide aeration even in soil planting , these lineament create a much safer planting surround . It will also store any alimental solution or other liquid plant food you use .
promiscuous to Work With – The larger size of hydroton means this continue a loose mass medium . It holds its shape , so transport is easy . Harvesting plants or get at antecedent for division requires far less effort , disregardless of the growing scheme used .
Excellent Microbial Support – While the open structure of these natural clay pellets feels relatively fluent , there ’s enough biological surface expanse ( BSA ) to create a welcome habitat for germ that die down constitutive matter to create nutrient that help serve as plant food .
The Cons
cost – While relatively inexpensive for modest raiser , the price quickly adds up , making them a goodish investment for large cultivator .
This downside is countervail over time , but the original hydroton cost may be prohibitive for some .
cleansing – While necessary between use , the cleansing operation is time - consuming and result in a lot of reddish dust . Unfortunately , neglect to properly rinse off and soak the pebble may ensue in this junk overload the mechanical share of hydro - growing systems .
bankruptcy to adequately soak the pebbles , particularly when used for the first time , may ensue in them floating and clot filters or drain lines .
Water Retention – While they have a comme il faut ability to keep on water , the lowly body of water keeping electrical capacity ( WHC ) means that they can dry out rather quick if there ’s short watering .
Hydroponic , aquaponic , and irrigation organisation all electrical shunt this negative aspect . However , this may be a trouble for soil plants that postulate a combining of moist and well - drained territory .
How Is Hydroton – Expanded LECA Pebbles Used?
Hydroton is used in a wide range of gardening methods , with slightly unlike method acting applied between hydroponic / aquaponic and stain gardening . In both cases , the corpse pebbles should be wash exhaustively before the first use to get rid of rubble .
NOTE : Igrew Phalanopsisand Cattleya orchids back in the early seventies using Hydroton ( LECA ) .
Hydro Farming
Hydroton is splendid for use with dutch buckets , deep piss culture , dripping , and ebb & flow systems . When used for any word form of piddle - based farming , hydroton pebble should be fleece for 6 to 24 hour .
This allows the weewee to soak in and push trap air out . die to properly fleece the pebbles will ensue in them floating and possibly clog life-sustaining systems .
Soil Farming
you could beat out hydroton pebble to make a higher saturation level to create a good starting medium for seeds . or else , you may place the seeds in net mess and cover them with a few presoaked clay pebbles .
Manually spray the pebble or utilise misters with a burst background of 4 to 10 minute every 2 to 3 hours for easy germination .
obviate using hydroton in large pots unless it has a dedicated water informant to reduce the risk of alga or dry out out . They can be used in conjunction with soil in outside options , but can not keep going plant life on their own in a soil garden setting .
A skillful ratio is 30 % percent hydroton added to your opt growth medium . A 1 ” inch stratum at the bottom of container further aids in drainage .
General Tips
Between use of goods and services , be sure to exhaustively rinse off the hydroton . Soak them and desexualise them with some peroxide or isopropyl alcohol to head off the risk of hybridisation - contamination . Also , be sure to see the pebbles for any whitish residue .
This is a signboard that phytotoxicity has built up from frequent alimental preoccupation . When this occurs , be trusted to rinse both the plant and pebbles in a pH - adjusted liquid to restitute right remainder .
Are There Any Special Fertilizers To Use With Hydroton?
Hydroton will exercise with your regular fertiliser in both hydroponic and soil gardens . A useful trick is to add together a small amount of your best-loved base growth nutrients to the pebbles at ¼ strength before placing them in the grow area .
