AusBonsai

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

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

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

I use 2-7 mm particle size

Ken

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.

Hi Tony,

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

Thanks,
Nigel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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