AusBonsai

Hi everyone, I've been hunting around for diatomite in Brisbane for ages, and have finally come across two different sources. Blackwoods sell Kleensorb green in a 20kg bag, and pet supersavers sell Kleensorb brown in a 35ltr bag. They are both Mt Sylvia diatomite from what I can tell, but can't find anywhere that says what the difference is. (Except one is green and the other brown). Does anybody know if they are the same just different colours, or is there a difference between the two? I'm super new to bonsai, and never used diatomite before but going to give it a go with some peat and perlite for a heap of bougs that have just struck roots. Colour doesn't phase me that much, but if one is good, and one not so good..... Chances are I'll buy the wrong one. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Tim

Tim.C wrote:Hi everyone, I've been hunting around for diatomite in Brisbane for ages, and have finally come across two different sources. Blackwoods sell Kleensorb green in a 20kg bag, and pet supersavers sell Kleensorb brown in a 35ltr bag. They are both Mt Sylvia diatomite from what I can tell, but can't find anywhere that says what the difference is. (Except one is green and the other brown). Does anybody know if they are the same just different colours, or is there a difference between the two? I'm super new to bonsai, and never used diatomite before but going to give it a go with some peat and perlite for a heap of bougs that have just struck roots. Colour doesn't phase me that much, but if one is good, and one not so good..... Chances are I'll buy the wrong one. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Tim

The difference is the size grade.
Brown = fines
Green = > 2mm
Both come in a 35L, 20kg bag.

You want the green! > 2mm, NOT THE BROWN.

Hi Tim,
I have found Diatomite in Brisbane, after looking around for quite some time...i got it from Nova gardens on Settlement Road at the Gap. It was 3 or 4 months ago, but hopefully they still have some in Stock. .
Pierre

Thanks guys. Lucky I asked. I was about to go out and get the brown. I didn't know about the green until earlier today, and I couldn't find any info anywhere about either. I did come across 100% vermiculite, and 100% New Zealand zeolite kitty litters today that peaked my curiosity though. Going to look into them more I think.

Tim.C wrote:Hi everyone, I've been hunting around for diatomite in Brisbane for ages, and have finally come across two different sources. Blackwoods sell Kleensorb green in a 20kg bag, and pet supersavers sell Kleensorb brown in a 35ltr bag. They are both Mt Sylvia diatomite from what I can tell, but can't find anywhere that says what the difference is. (Except one is green and the other brown). Does anybody know if they are the same just different colours, or is there a difference between the two? I'm super new to bonsai, and never used diatomite before but going to give it a go with some peat and perlite for a heap of bougs that have just struck roots. Colour doesn't phase me that much, but if one is good, and one not so good..... Chances are I'll buy the wrong one. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Tim

Hi Tim
I would be a bit worried about the Blackwoods version as they are an industrial Supplier & this would be for OIL & OTHER LIQUID SPILLS, so in saying that you wouldn't know what is in it.

Wait & see what other comments come in before purchasing either.

JC

Hi Tim
The kleensorb from Blackwoods is the stuff you need - 2 to 7 mm pure diatomite which has been calcined ( heated ) but not at a high enough temp to become a health hazard if breathed.
The photo on Blackwoods website is out of date and it is in fact 35 l
It is used as an absorbant for oil and fuel spills as well as an addition to potting mix.
Steve

Jdceng wrote: Hi Tim
I would be a bit worried about the Blackwoods version as they are an industrial Supplier & this would be for OIL & OTHER LIQUID SPILLS, so in saying that you wouldn't know what is in it.

Wait & see what other comments come in before purchasing either.

JC

The Blackwoods "version" is the same stuff.
There is only one version of Kleensorb green.

I might be going to get me some Kleensorb green then.