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new aquaponics system

 
pollinator
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Location: Huntsville Alabama (North Alabama), Zone 7B
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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.
 
Posts: 182
Location: mid Ohio, 40.318626 -83.766931
21
dog solar homestead
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might be a little rough on your hands bedding the plants down into it.!
 
Dennis Bangham
pollinator
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It may not have enough surface pores.  I cannot find lava rock or expanded shale/slate.
 
Phil Grady
Posts: 182
Location: mid Ohio, 40.318626 -83.766931
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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..
 
pollinator
Posts: 3828
Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat
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forest garden solar
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You could try making and adding some biochar.
 
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