Diatomite differences

[bonsaibeginer]

Hi everyone
I have not used diatomite before (actually never seen it first hand) but I would really like to try it.
What I don't know is, is diatomaceous earth the same anywhere? I have found a supplier up here, relatively close but is it the same thing?

http://diatomaceousearthonline.com.au/s ... -additive/

In the description it says it is useful in bonsai and I know 15mm is probably too big for a pot but I have a sieve... Basically is this the same thing as down south?

Thanks in advance
Grant

[klaery]

Hi Grant.

Same stuff mate. It is used in a heap of different things so is fairly common. If you can get an ok size through the supplier you have found then go for it

[kcpoole]

the colour might be different between local supplies but aside from that same as,

I use 2-7 mm particle size

Ken

[Bougy Fan]

Looks like the old Maidenwell product from the photos - but it is very expensive. In Brisbane we can buy 35KG Mt Sylvia for $17.00. If that is all you can get then it will be suitable but it is a little large in size as Ken said. If you were going to try and crush it down make sure you wear a dust mask.

[NAHamilton]

Hi Tony,

Could you tell me where in Brisbane you buy it from?

Thanks,
Nigel

[Bougy Fan]

Well not exactly Brisbane CBD - Deception Bay Produce. I have not found it cheaper anywhere else.

[bonsaibeginer]

Thanks everyone
i have found a pet shop that does post Kleensorb but not sure on postage of 35ltr from Brisbane, might be expensive....
I'll give this a go first, maybe try a 10kg bag to see, Mossman isn't that far from us.
I'll give them a call on Mon.
Thanks again everyone

[Damian Bee]

What is the PH on that stuff?
It seems pretty pricey to me. Mount Sylvia would be a much better option

[bonsaibeginer]

I hear what everyone has said about the price but there isn't much choice up here... delivery of a bag of Kleensorb (35ltr) is almost dbl the price of the bag at $30 from Brisbane...

I've heard it doesn't weigh much but does anyone know how much 35ltr would weigh? 35KG for $20...
I did check and the pH is 7, neutral?

I guess it's one of the downsides to living up here in paradise...
thanks again guys

[bonsaibeginer]

My mistake, 20kgs for $35... A bit dyslexic tonight

[bamboos]

Hi Bonsaibeginer
Blackwoods p/ l in Cairns sell kleensorb green by the picture online it's not the same as the kleensorb I buy ( from the Mt Sylvia mine) but they say it's diatomaceous earth so it's probably only the size is a bit different. Safety shops and engineering shop will stock kleensorb. So if that's not the right grade ( you want 2 to 7 mm ) just get out the phone book and ring around someone will stock it. 35 litre bag prob only weighs 10 kg
Good luck Steve
P.S.
I just had a look at the website you have and it looks to me that that is 2/7 mm and the colour also looks like Mt Sylvia so I think that's what you need ( if the photo of the size is correct) $ 10 for 4.5 kgs is a good price up there

[bonsaibeginer]

Very nice thanks Steve.
I might have a few calls to make before going to my link...
thanks again

[rodm]

Try Landmark Rural in Lismore. If you have one near you they might be able to do an inter branch transfer, less freight costs??
Cheers Rod

[Joel]

If you are purchasing product not from Mt Sylvia or Maidenwell, make sure it still comes from a freshwater site. Diatomite can form in fresh and saltwater locations and they don't remove salt for the purposes of kitty litter or cleaning up spills. If the product is from a saltwater site the salt will kill your trees.

Joel

[bonsaibeginer]

Thanks Rodm, there is a landmark in Mareeba, I'll give them a call tom and see. Can't find anything on their website...

Joel, the supplier in my first post is a fresh water diatomite. I did notice that it said fresh water and to be honest didn't even think about it... Thanks for that