Kleensorb Diatomite
- one_bonsai
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Kleensorb Diatomite
Got some Kleensorb Diatomite. I've never used it before, but when I press it hard between my fingers it turns to dust. Is this normal?
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
I also just purchased a few bags, but haven't yet opened them. From what I've been reading I'm expecting to be possibly disappointed. There was talk about the lack of firing by whoever is running one of the mines now. I'll check mine out on the weekend.
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
I read a thread on here recently where someone said they'd contacted the company that produces Kleensorb and apparently they only heat it to around 21 degrees now so it's no longer hardened, and will disintegrate into mush pretty quickly.
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
Any inorganic material that can be crushed into dust with your fingers is going to be a problem in your mix. The dust will collect at the bottom of your pot and block the drainage holes. Material like Akadama will break down but it takes years. Pumice would be a better bet.
Matt.
Matt.
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
Kleensorb is only being baked to 280- degrees now.
it is no longer calcined (1100 degrees Celsius plus)
Ive done some water stability tests by soaking in a jar of water and after a week some particles are still ok but some turn to mush.
Surprised that zeolite crushed as well. What brand of zeolite?
If its castle mountain zeolite that is either very very strange or you have a 200PSI finger crush strength
it is no longer calcined (1100 degrees Celsius plus)
Ive done some water stability tests by soaking in a jar of water and after a week some particles are still ok but some turn to mush.
Surprised that zeolite crushed as well. What brand of zeolite?
If its castle mountain zeolite that is either very very strange or you have a 200PSI finger crush strength
- kcpoole
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
the problem with kleensorb is the currently mined material cannot be made hard like the original supplies were
Maidenwell is not allowed to bake theirs either apparently.
I have al little bit of the original stock left and you cannot crush it when wet or dry.
That is why I have moved to Akadama instead.
Ken
Maidenwell is not allowed to bake theirs either apparently.
I have al little bit of the original stock left and you cannot crush it when wet or dry.
That is why I have moved to Akadama instead.
Ken
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
Yes this is my concern. I guess I'll have to switch to pumice.Matt S wrote: ↑June 19th, 2020, 10:54 am Any inorganic material that can be crushed into dust with your fingers is going to be a problem in your mix. The dust will collect at the bottom of your pot and block the drainage holes. Material like Akadama will break down but it takes years. Pumice would be a better bet.
Matt.
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
Thank you. This confirms that there's something wrong with the Kleensorb Diatomite.
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
Maidenwell was confirmed with the dust produced when calcining and the associated health risks.
Mt Sylvia (now chalkmine) i don't think have the facilities anymore.
Mt Sylvia (now chalkmine) i don't think have the facilities anymore.
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
I have a few bags of diatomite from Vitec (I believe they are maidenwell) that I bought about two years ago.
I have soaked for weeks and they do not turn soft. I have some in my mix and they have remained solid after two years of use.
I am not sure if I am lucky to get some old stock.
With every bag I open, I soak them first for at least 2 to 3 weeks and give them the squeeze test.
I have never tried pumice. Where can I get some quality pumice in Melbourne?
I have soaked for weeks and they do not turn soft. I have some in my mix and they have remained solid after two years of use.
I am not sure if I am lucky to get some old stock.
With every bag I open, I soak them first for at least 2 to 3 weeks and give them the squeeze test.
I have never tried pumice. Where can I get some quality pumice in Melbourne?
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dennis
A journey full of experiments
Dennis
A journey full of experiments
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
Damn! Over the last 11 years every time I have moved house (4-5 moves) I have gifted to someone at least 1 if not 2 bags of Maidenwell or Mt Silvia diatomite as I did not think it worthwhile to pack (or more I spent so much time packaging and moving plants I forgot about growing mediums).
Now I am looking to do repotting and cannot find any decent diatomite for love or money... Oh well, just ordered a bunch of Agg Pumice. Is it similar ratios with Zeolite? I used to do between 1/10 and 1/5 depending on the wetness preference of the trees.
Or does pumice do it's own thing not needing zeolite?
Sorry not posted in a very long time...
Now I am looking to do repotting and cannot find any decent diatomite for love or money... Oh well, just ordered a bunch of Agg Pumice. Is it similar ratios with Zeolite? I used to do between 1/10 and 1/5 depending on the wetness preference of the trees.
Or does pumice do it's own thing not needing zeolite?
Sorry not posted in a very long time...
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Re: Kleensorb Diatomite
Bonsai Elmo, Where abouts are you?
I have both Pumice and Scoria (and small amounts of Kanuma in stock)
Kings Langley
Ken
I have both Pumice and Scoria (and small amounts of Kanuma in stock)
Kings Langley
Ken
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