Where to purchase Diatomaceous earth...large particles

[penumbra]

Hmmm.... is there something you find extra special about DE? If money is not a worry, why not order a highly regarded substrate like boon mix and be done?

DE is a highly regarded substrate. As are the dozen and more other highly regarded substrates. Anything works if you use it properly. Mother nature has been doing this for about 4 billion years.
I usually stay out of threads about soil mixes etc because they are rather like religion or politics. But this is a no brainer. You use what you like and what works for you. Most people don't want to be converted.

 

[HorseloverFat]

. Most people don't want to be converted.

This brought back imagery from "Clans of the Alphane Moon" by my Favorite Author.

I'll zip-it now.

 

[Eckhoffw]

DE is a highly regarded substrate. As are the dozen and more other highly regarded substrates. Anything works if you use it properly. Mother nature has been doing this for about 4 billion years.
I usually stay out of threads about soil mixes etc because they are rather like religion or politics. But this is a no brainer. You use what you like and what works for you. Most people don't want to be converted.

Totally down with whatever works. I use DE and calcined clay regularly in my soil mixes.
I like being able to pick up these products whenever is needed.
I haven’t used akadama much as cost is a factor. However I just ordered this. Seems affordable enough. 4 quarts for 40$ hmmm..

 

[August44]

When down to Nampa and got 5 bags off the top, on sale for $10.47/bag! Regular $21+ a bag. What a deal!

 

[August44]

Hmmm.... is there something you find extra special about DE? If money is not a worry, why not order a highly regarded substrate like boon mix and be done?

You didn't watch Ryan's video did you?

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

You didn't watch Ryan's video did you?

I’ve watched the video 4 times. He said he was testing de and the verdict is still not out. He did suggest it might be an alternative.

 

[Eckhoffw]

You didn't watch Ryan's video did you?

haha! Got 30 mins into then had to do something. Ok take 2.

 

[Gary McCarthy]

It has been recommended

DE has been recommended by Ryan as a replacement for Akadama. I watched a Maria video. You question is answered in the video

That is not AT ALL true. Quite the opposite as a matter of fact.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Gosh two substrate threads in two weeks,…. Can’t believe I read them both.I guess I’m between projects.… and I’ll take a break to attack a project….. had a couple leaky Bell ’waterproof’ outlet covers at the GH’s.

Ok all done.
.

So I’ll finish up by relating my thoughts.

1. At home we use just what what we use at the museum. APL…. it’s what the pros use and I don’t want to have a bunch of variables in my process. Don’t mind experimenting, but I figure I don’t have time to reinvent the wheel and make a mistake that may put my work back even a couple years. I‘m also thrifty so I also wash, heat and reuse my media, This cuts the costs drastically as each batch once sifted only needs about 1/2 the normal amount of akadama. I can deal with that cost.

2. A year+ ago I did a survey about what folks use as an azalea media. Kanuma was used by the majority of folks, yet a strong minority used multiple other mixes for their media. All I contacted thought their media worked best for their azaleas and had multiple thoughts on why something else wouldn’t work. When I went back and asked a couple folks how they measured this…. No one had an objective measurement…. Maybe someone does now?

3. Bottom line folks use what they feel works for them.…. and that’s ok with me.

BTW: I believe Ryan mentioned horticultural DE. Whatever that is. To my knowledge Ryan hasn’t announced experimenting with DE as of yet?

cheers and stay well everyone!
DSD sends

 

[Gary McCarthy]

BTW: I believe Ryan mentioned horticultural DE. Whatever that is. To my knowledge Ryan hasn’t announced experimenting with DE as of yet?

cheers and stay well everyone!
DSD sends

Ryan experimented with Axis DE some 2 or 3 years ago. But he found that it did not have the same properties as Akadama and quickly moved on from it.

I'm not sure if he's experimenting with any other products at this time. He hasn't mentioned anything lately, at least that I've heard.

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

Anyone have any thoughts/experience with bonsai block that bonsai jack uses?

Bonsai Block – Bonsai Jack ©

www.bonsaijack.com

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Ryan experimented with Axis DE some 2 or 3 years ago. But he found that it did not have the same properties as Akadama and quickly moved on from it.

I'm not sure if he's experimenting with any other products at this time. He hasn't mentioned anything lately, at least that I've heard.

Thanks for that information @Gary McCarthy. Was this given on a livestream, or did you pick it up in class… or?

Best,
DSD sends

 

[penumbra]

Anyone have any thoughts/experience with bonsai block that bonsai jack uses?

Bonsai Block – Bonsai Jack ©

www.bonsaijack.com

I'll let you know. I just bought a 7 gallon bag based upon you posting and the high quality of Bonsai Jack products.

 

[Eckhoffw]

I'll let you know. I just bought a 7 gallon bag based upon you posting and the high quality of Bonsai Jack products.

They say it is calcined clay, but I would bet it is fired at a much higher temp than turface or floor dri. Products.
It looks like it a good particle shape and size too.

 

[penumbra]

They say it is calcined clay, but I would bet it is fired at a much higher temp than turface or floor dri. Products.
It looks like it a good particle shape and size too.

I concur.

 

[Gary McCarthy]

Thanks for that information @Gary McCarthy. Was this given on a livestream, or did you pick it up in class… or?

Best,
DSD sends

It was on several of his Q&A type of live streams. At the time it was one of THE hot topics. He would get asked about it almost weekly.

 

[Gr8tfuldad]

I'll let you know. I just bought a 7 gallon bag based upon you posting and the high quality of Bonsai Jack products.

Please let me know, thanks.

 

[August44]

Sorry folks, I did not realize that the video of Ryan's was an old one. I went out the other day and bought 5 bags of Napa floor dry on sale and screened it today with a 1/8" screen. 5 bags = 120 qts = 30 gallons. Ended up with about 13 gallons. Lost 55% or so with screening.

I also bought some 8 gallons of Akadama the other day from this place. https://www.etsy.com/listing/644177...ese-hard-ibaraki?click_key=f4d6ecd5667458f441. I got it and it was very good, hard, akadama from Ibaraki Japan with no fines or dust. With the 5 gallons it came out at $5.63 a quart or $22.50 a gallon

Pictures are of the screens...1/8", 1/4", and 1/2" hardware cloth 16" X 19" and the screened DE

 

[PonderingSage:]

August,
I’m doing about 2 pts lava, 2 pts pumice,
And 1 pt 8822. I don't sift the last one as much and keep some of the smaller particles. I feel like it breaks down too
Much.

 

[Eckhoffw]

August,
I’m doing about 2 pts lava, 2 pts pumice,
And 1 pt 8822. I don't sift the last one as much and keep some of the smaller particles. I feel like it breaks down too
Much.

I agree with your mix. But why not Sift the 8822 as much. If it breaks down more,-which I agree, it does- you would want to eliminate smaller particles. No?