Culture substrates

Clay pebbles, coco coir, perlite, vermiculite and sphagnum moss for aquaponics, hydroponics and container growing.

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Coconut fiber mat for grow bed – natural draining substrate for aquaponics and vegetable garden
Coconut fiber mat
Regular price ¥7,800
Regular price Sale price ¥7,800
15 products out of 38

In hydroponics as in aquaponics, the growing medium holds the plant and the water feeds it. Expanded clay pebbles are the standard medium for aquaponic grow beds: the 50 L bag of clay pebbles in the 8 to 20 mm grade, the usual size for a grow bed, is laid to a depth of about 30 cm. A 1 m² bed therefore needs 300 L, or six bags. The pebbles are rinsed until the water runs clear, and their pH should be checked: the 6 L ones measure 8.5 in water, above the level of aquaponic water.

Coco coir holds more water, from 40 to 65 % depending on the compressed format, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5; it is fed with a fertiliser formulated for this medium. Perlite lightens and aerates a mix, and vermiculite keeps seedlings moist by retaining 430 to 470 ml of water per litre. For starting seeds, peat pods swell in 3 to 5 minutes and fit snugly into 32 mm net pots. The guide Which growing medium for aquaponics? compares these materials.

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