Bog filter: pea gravel vs. aquaponic clay balls or lava rocks

[sherry]

I am wondering for the pea gravel bog filter, why not use aquaponic clay balls or lava rocks as they seem to be lighter and easy to put in? Any one tried that and does it work? Please forgive me if it's a silly question. Thank you.

 

[mrsclem]

Can't speak about the clay balls but I put lava rock in a stock tank bog and had to put a liner in later. Removing lava rocks is not fun. Also it clogs quickly.

 

[sherry]

Can't speak about the clay balls but I put lava rock in a stock tank bog and had to put a liner in later. Removing lava rocks is not fun. Also it clogs quickly.

That makes sense. Lava rocks doesn't have a smooth shape and would require a liner.

 

[GBBUDD]

The advantage to pea stone is one it has smooth sides while it won't hold as much bacteria it does allow solids to get trapped break down and flush out. roots within the pea stone also only allow the roots to grow around them not into the pours or into the clay making it impossible to separate one from the other. Pea stone will fall off on its own once it dries out.

 

[sherry]

The advantage to pea stone is one it has smooth sides while it won't hold as much bacteria it does allow solids to get trapped break down and flush out. roots within the pea stone also only allow the roots to grow around them not into the pours or into the clay making it impossible to separate one from the other. Pea stone will fall off on its own once it dries out.

Thank you for sharing the knowledge.