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Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 15th, 2014, 8:07 pm
by Paulneill
Hi guys.

I'm writing this to raise awareness of this diatomite.
The most recent stuff I got from Enfield produce is not what I'm used to from there and I'm now a bit worried about it. I repotted about 10 trees a few weeks ago. First thing a noticed was the gray colour 20% of the diatomite
changes to when wet. Next thing I noticed was lots of silt/dust that drains from it when watered. I then noticed some of the stones were turning to mush while others were breaking up much easier than normal.
So I am trying to figure out what to do now . I think I need to repot all these trees and come up with a different mix :palm:

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 15th, 2014, 8:22 pm
by kcpoole
Is it Mt Sylvia ? is the product called "Kleensorb" in the green bag?

can you post a pic of the bag ?

Ken

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 15th, 2014, 9:49 pm
by cre8ivbonsai
Looks like they are selling a cheaper version of mt Sylvia diatomite not under the Kleensorb label ... http://www.petandgarden.com.au/diatomit ... -20kg.html Is this what your bought Paul?

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 15th, 2014, 10:03 pm
by Black Knight
Hi,
It looks like I have the same problem. The first bag of Kleensorb was perfect, it really was a waste of time to sieve, it was good. However, the bag purchased 3 weeks ago and just opened, appears to have the same problem as you. :shake: Small paticles, dusty and lots of greys :?:

Where to now :?:

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 15th, 2014, 11:42 pm
by kcpoole
Black Knight wrote:Hi,
It looks like I have the same problem. The first bag of Kleensorb was perfect, it really was a waste of time to sieve, it was good. However, the bag purchased 3 weeks ago and just opened, appears to have the same problem as you. :shake: Small paticles, dusty and lots of greys :?:

Where to now :?:
Is it the same Bag and labelling?
It is a white bag with green printing on it that says Kleesorb
According to Mt Sylvia website it is still in 35L bags
http://www.mtsylviadiatomite.com.au/mod ... ensorb.pdf

Ken

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 6:21 am
by pommie_mal
Sounds just like the stuff I bought called Septone Absorb. It contained heaps of material that turned to mush when mixed with water. It took me hours to sieve out the garbage & mush, ended up with about 30% to 40% that was useable for bonsai.

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 9:56 am
by Paulneill
Yes ken kleensorb.

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 9:59 am
by Paulneill
ImageImageImageImage

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 10:01 am
by Paulneill
I also got a bag of the large particle stuff it has no problems. Comes in a plain white larger bag

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 10:10 am
by kcpoole
Thanks Paul

I suggest you ring Mt Sylvia direct and ask them what is going on. When I first found them they we really responsive and happy to discuss all things like supply and sourcing.

those photos are amazing! I assume hou just squashed the pellets?
if so then it nothing like the original lighter coloured material.

Ken

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 10:15 am
by Paulneill
Actually I just inspected the large particle diatomite and it has the same problem I also noticed that it's not just the gray stuff but also the golden stuff to.

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 10:31 am
by Paulneill
Any suggestions for a new mix. ? Can't believe I just wasted 60 bucks and a days work

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 11:02 am
by Bougy Fan
Sounds like they may have a problem - not the product I have been using for years. Does you mix just contain diatomite or do you mix anything else in it. If you want a mostly inorganic mix have you tried deco ? The only problem with it is the weight - I have desert roses growing in a 100% mix and strike cuttings in the sifted fines.

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 11:15 am
by Paulneill
I just squashed it with my hand didn't take much pressure. I just add zeolight bogy.
I

Re: Bad batch of diatomite.

Posted: August 16th, 2014, 11:51 am
by Josh
Wow that's not good. I'm about to go get 5 bags from my local supplier. Will have to keep an eye on it when I get it. Will be questioning the supplier when I get. Thanks for the heads guys. Not paying good money for rubbish.

Josh.