AusBonsai

I found this on Ebay happypickingsnow they sell Diatomate starting at 2kl for $14 and $ 12 postage,
As I`m a newby I have to admit i dont know very much about prices.

Well in Brisbane I can buy 35 litres of Mt Sylvia for $13.60. I know it's hard to find in Tassie but that does seem very expensive

Bougy Fan wrote:Well in Brisbane I can buy 35 litres of Mt Sylvia for $13.60. I know it's hard to find in Tassie but that does seem very expensive

Gee whiz, I would have to buy a pallet of it to get that price per bag! Yet another reason for the "Mexicans" to be envious of those that reside in the Sunshine State .

Cheers,
Mojo

Haven t really used this Diatomite material so did a quick search to see what it actually was an found this

Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, is the naturally occurring fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are single-celled aquatic algae. They belong to the class of golden brown algae known as Bacillariophyceae. Diatomite is a near pure sedimentary deposit consisting almost entirely of silica. The Greeks first used diatomite over 2,000 years ago in pottery and brick.

I get 35 L for $20 in Sydney.

For those desparate, Enfield Produce will sell and ship a single bag to you for $20 + cost to ship a bag to Hobart will be about $20 too. I imagine you could get that down to $10-12 each in bulk.
Suggest the Tassie members start to cast around and see if you can get a pallet between you.

For those that might be interested, over the 6 years I have been using it exclusively, I have purchased about 10 bags of Diatomite, and about 5 of Zeolite.

It does not break down or deteriorate with time, so you buy in bulk and store it indefinitely.

I think a pallet ( 40 bags?? ) was going to cost me about $600 + shipping to Sydney ( $200). ( a few years ago now but the price has not changed since then much).
If you can band together and get a bulk order you would do well.

Also check do a search here as there are numerous threads on using Diatomite as soil substrates.

Ken

kcpoole wrote: For those that might be interested, over the 6 years I have been using it exclusively, I have purchased about 10 bags of Diatomite, and about 5 of Zeolite.
Ken

That sounds about right if majority of your trees are established in bonsai pots. However, ALL of my trees are in developmental growth stages either foam boxes or nursery type pots. I reckon I need to buy at least 10 bags before this winter for re-potting those that are not currently in diatomite. Mind you the bonsai bug has bitten me pretty hard and I have around 100 trees, plus the 23 JBP seedlings I have atm. I was actually thinking about finding an alternative substrate for the foam boxes as they need so much diatomite to fill them and because diatomite is getting harder to come by. Has anyone tried the substrates used in Hydroponics? I believe they are quite an open mix which has good water retention. I will however do some research on this.

Hopefully my mate interstate comes through soon with his new supply of commercial dust free/washed diatomite soon though

Olivecrazy wrote:Haven t really used this Diatomite material so did a quick search to see what it actually was an found this

Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, is the naturally occurring fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are single-celled aquatic algae. They belong to the class of golden brown algae known as Bacillariophyceae. Diatomite is a near pure sedimentary deposit consisting almost entirely of silica. The Greeks first used diatomite over 2,000 years ago in pottery and brick.

I recently seen a photograph of just one piece of diatomite under an electron microscope. The image was amazing!! Any wonder it can retain 150% its weight in water, the surface area it has from the many column-like shapes which have fine "teeth" similar to a comb is unlike anything I have ever seen.

Luke308 wrote:

kcpoole wrote: For those that might be interested, over the 6 years I have been using it exclusively, I have purchased about 10 bags of Diatomite, and about 5 of Zeolite.
Ken

That sounds about right if majority of your trees are established in bonsai pots. However, ALL of my trees are in developmental growth stages either foam boxes or nursery type pots. I reckon I need to buy at least 10 bags before this winter for re-potting those that are not currently in diatomite. Mind you the bonsai bug has bitten me pretty hard and I have around 100 trees, plus the 23 JBP seedlings I have atm. I was actually thinking about finding an alternative substrate for the foam boxes as they need so much diatomite to fill them and because diatomite is getting harder to come by. Has anyone tried the substrates used in Hydroponics? I believe they are quite an open mix which has good water retention. I will however do some research on this.

Hopefully my mate interstate comes through soon with his new supply of commercial dust free/washed diatomite soon though

I have diatomite in all my poly boxes because it is much lighter and easier to move them

I thought a lot of the hydroponic users use diatomite anyway

Ken

im in for half a pallet if you get this off the ground. only problem is im in NE vic so the pallet etc i guess would go to sydney and after sorting a courier would have to ship to me and that could be the main expense?

kcpoole wrote: I thought a lot of the hydroponic users use diatomite anyway

Ken

They do, however the hydro stores here in Adelaide have not tried Mt Sylvia as they thought it had Ph issues. They are trying to source some, but it will be 7-14mm Most people are using expanded clay and coco (not the coco you get at Bunnings, but good quality stuff from Holland)