would perlite work as biomedia? it seems like it would work great to me. the only thing i could think of is that maybe it raises ph, but it doesn't when used in soil for plants so i don't know.
perlite as biomedia?
- Thread starter MyFishEatYourFish
- Start date
You have to pre-filter the water well, as the perlite can pack down and clog easily.
Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass = inert, no water quality probs. but it floats
Vermiculite is a mineral and retains about 10% water so it is easier to keep from floating in the filter.
Both look similar and are used as soil in hydroponics with preference to the latter.
Both are cheap to work with but you have to design your filter according to particle size or it will eat up your pump.
Dr Joe
.
Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass = inert, no water quality probs. but it floats
Vermiculite is a mineral and retains about 10% water so it is easier to keep from floating in the filter.
Both look similar and are used as soil in hydroponics with preference to the latter.
Both are cheap to work with but you have to design your filter according to particle size or it will eat up your pump.
Dr Joe
.
you may want to presoak the perlite in water for a day or two before usingit. First to remove any dust particles but also so it can absorb water. Its full of air in side as it is basically popcorned during the manufacturing process.
I have started using it in my lightweight concrete mixes.
I have started using it in my lightweight concrete mixes.