AusBonsai

Hi all,
After recently having trouble sourcing granular diatomite from agricultural suppliers I noticed we use this stuff at work which seems to fit the bill. Has anyone else used this product? It appears to be diatomite in the 2-5mm size granules.

Hi Max,
That looks like the goods. If you can could you take a photo of the stuff?
I think it will depend if it has been fired/baked or not as I think this stops it breaking down.
Cheers,
Symon

Hi Max,
You really need to soak it for a couple of days in water (a week would be good) and then see if it maintains its integrity after that. If it turns to mush (as seems to be the way with diatomite recently) then you can discount it. The fact you have it at work means you might be able to grab a handful to experiment rather than gamble and buy a whole bag. Nothing ventured nothing gained!
I've moved away from diatomite due to inconsistencies in quality so if you can test before you get then that's a win.
Good luck with it.

It's worth testing but I'm not sure it's diatomite. The bag says 'skeletons of marine sponges' and I think diatoms are fresh water only? Also, the SDS says zeolite, smectite and, opal C1 15-30%, whatever that is (probably the sponge rock).

Update: it's been in a bucket of water for a few days now and hasn't degraded. Should tide over until supply resumes