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new aquaponics system

 
Dennis Bangham
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Location: Huntsville Alabama (North Alabama), Zone 7B
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posted 6 years ago
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Is slate a good media for an aquaponics bed?
I am putting together a media bed that will drain into a Deep Water bed and I have come across some slate.  
I am in a limestone heavy area and this may be the only source that is cheaper than buying bags of permatill or hydroton.
This is the kind you dig out of the ground and is not expanded.  I did a vinegar test and it does not bubble.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Other people may reject you but if you lie in the forest floor for long enough the moss and fungi will accept you as one of their own!

 
Phil Grady
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Location: mid Ohio, 40.318626 -83.766931
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posted 6 years ago
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might be a little rough on your hands bedding the plants down into it.!
 
Dennis Bangham
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posted 6 years ago
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It may not have enough surface pores.  I cannot find lava rock or expanded shale/slate.

Other people may reject you but if you lie in the forest floor for long enough the moss and fungi will accept you as one of their own!

 
Phil Grady
Posts: 182
Location: mid Ohio, 40.318626 -83.766931
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dog solar homestead
posted 6 years ago
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I don't think that would be an issue. I've seen plenty of systems that use gravel as a grow base and work fine.
It may be much heavier than the hydrogenated clay pellets, but it still works.
Slate doesn't tend to have pours due to its sedimentary construction, but it does tend to have lots of fissures for the same reason.
But honestly. I personally don't think it would be much fun to work with when planting..
 
S Bengi
pollinator
Posts: 3829
Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat
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You could try making and adding some biochar.

Iterations are fine, we don't have to be perfect
My 2nd Location:Florida HardinessZone:10 AHS:10 GDD:8500 Rainfall:2in/mth winter, 8in/mth summer, Soil:Sand pH8 Flat

 
I can't beleive you just said that. Now I need to calm down with this tiny ad:
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