Napa Oil Dry part no. 8822

Cajunrider

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Actually the SDS is VERY specific with regard to exact chemical content, pH, hardness, water retention, temperature fired at and much more. It is possible that a bad batch of 8822 got through but I have spoken to the folks at EP myself and I know for fact what it is supposed to be.
Reading SDS is a part of my making a living. The SDS for the 8822 says nothing about the temperature that 8822 is brought to. As long as it is 100% natural DE, it's all good for them. The >1300 deg C quoted in the SDS is simply the decomposition temperature of DE. So yeah, we can have bad batches of DE that is not fired at high enough temperature and breakdown more easily. That said, I love the stuff.
 

Timbo

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Very interesting thread!
I've been researching different options to see what's suitable in my area, as well as what's available. Lately I've been trying out the 8822, as well as this product from Tractor Supply, which I'm assuming is similar to the Opti-sorb, and it actually comes up when I googled Turface.
View attachment 219811View attachment 219812
So far I've just used a 50/50 mix on a few things I've had to repot this winter, and will try it in a few seed trays & maybe a propagation dome to see how cuttings strike in it. I'll probably try some with the fines and some with the substrate.

So far I've only used it for a bougainvillea I was given that had to be cut back & down potted (couldn't fit in the greenhouse)as well as a few bare root trees I ordered, & some things I had to collect before they were removed/poisoned.
If they survive the abuse of the cut back & potting, I'm excited to see what differences I see from this blend vs the nursery soil mix I usually use for non-bonsai plants.

I used something close to that before i used DE. It's Darker than DE, but a lot more dust and heavier IME. If i had to use it i would, having a darker soil is nice. It was just too dusty for me and i didn't like the size. Lot's of waste. It's $6 here for a 40lb bag which is about the same size as a 25lb $10-16 bag of DE. With using grit and bark, i needed something lighter also, Big boxes get heavy :D

DE lasts for 2-3 years before i need to repot up here, We get a lot of freeze/thaw cycles in fall/early winter, which from my research is what breaks it down the most. Most of my trees need repotted in a few years anyways. I just rinse and sift out the particles and add DE again.
I wouldn't use pure DE is places that freeze, I've had freezing temp raise up the soil when they are pretty wet from rain, then freeze in the night, creating gaps. I'm not sure how that would affect the root system, but i can't imagine it's a good thing. It doesn't seem to do that with grit/bark added.
 

Timbo

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It should all look similar, difference to wonder about is how fast it breaks down.
 

Timbo

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Sorry i meant all clay oil absorbent looks similar, DE is a much lighter color and weight, although close particle size.
 

Joe Dupre'

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The first several bags of 8822 I bought were light gray when wet. Along the way, the odd bag would have product that was orangish brown when wet. The last two bags I bought were this color. Very nice colored soil when mixed with about 30-50% fine pine bark. I've had a handful of this latest batch soaking in water for a month with no breakdown yet.
 

M. Frary

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The first several bags of 8822 I bought were light gray when wet. Along the way, the odd bag would have product that was orangish brown when wet. The last two bags I bought were this color. Very nice colored soil when mixed with about 30-50% fine pine bark. I've had a handful of this latest batch soaking in water for a month with no breakdown yet.
I have some that's years old floating around in pots.
 

JoeH

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The first several bags of 8822 I bought were light gray when wet. Along the way, the odd bag would have product that was orangish brown when wet. The last two bags I bought were this color. Very nice colored soil when mixed with about 30-50% fine pine bark. I've had a handful of this latest batch soaking in water for a month with no breakdown yet.
That's more what the Rural King stuff looks like, reddish brown like wet Turface. I've found the Napa stuff to be inconsistent, some stays gravelly and I've had some break down.
 

Timbo

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I'm phasing out Napa, I found a place to buy Opti-sorb for about the same price.
 

milehigh_7

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So far it looks like it might be better than the NAPA stuff. I will buy another bag in a month or so to see if its consistent.
Whatever soaks your spill.
I'm phasing out Napa, I found a place to buy Opti-sorb for about the same price.

Optisorb will turn to mush. It's not calcined.
 

Timbo

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I dunno, made by the same people. It is suppose to be the "premium" version (whatever that means). It's just a better product for me, used it on my better trees and they still drain well. Pretty sure we have been over this before. Use it or don't use it, I don't really care, I just thought i'd share what I use, my short exp with both, as this is my 4th year.
Like I said before it has less dust, bigger particles. I've used both, they both break down in a few years ( I use organic fertilizer). Napa 8822 is just a lot of work to sift out for me, not that anything is easy. For what it is worth, Napa is easier to get and slightly cheaper. I'm still using both if i need too.
Points are mute anyways. I have 2 choices up here, DE or calc clay oil absorbent.
Here is a 'link' to other people's take on it.... sorry @Bonsai Nut if t's not permitted.
 
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