Factors To Consider When Choosing The Grow Media For Your Aquaponics Garden

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Grow Media For Your Aquaponics Garden
By Paul Luciw

There are several factors to consider when choosing the proper grow media for your aquaponics garden. First of all will base the type of media you choose on the design of your system. Is it a flood and drain system or a recirculating continuous flow system? If it is a deep water raft system you will not be concerned because no grow media is used. Other factors to consider is cost and availability of the grow media.

Man-made expanded clay pellets are a good choice for the flood and drain aquaponics system, as they are porous and have great drainage properties. So when you flood and drain your grow beds, they will be easily replenished with plant nutrients. This will benefit the growth of your plants as they will always have nutrients available. These porous clay pellets are light weight so your hydroponics grow tanks will not be overly weighed down by the combination of water and grow media. If that were the case you may be forced to upgrade the tanks or strengthen in some way. These are also a good choice as they tend to last a long time and do not breakdown and rot. They also have a neutral pH.

Using clay pellets will be more costly than some other materials such as gravel. However material such as this will much heavier and you will have to be sure your grow bed can handle the weight. This material is more commonly available then the man-made clay pellets.

Each type of media has their benefits and disadvantages. However choosing the media that best suits your needs be yours to make.

Best Regards

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