henry05
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2021
Posts: 2
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Post by henry05 on Nov 9, 2021 14:14:19 GMT -5
Does tumbling significantly change the aquifer qualities of a stone?
The driver for my question is the use of porous stones in bonsai plants, to assist with water retention. I know dolomite is porous and water retaining, but is this retained after tumbling? River rock is naturally smooth but I am unsure how it rates at water retention. Aside from lava rock I haven't researched anything else.
Any suggestions and info much appreciated.
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Post by rmf on Nov 9, 2021 16:36:30 GMT -5
At the level of Bonsai trees neither has a significant ability to store water. Though quartz pebbles would be less than limestone. Though not always true depending on the formation of the quartz. Sandstone or quartzite would be better than either of the first two. Even granite will store more water. but the best is perlite. or vermiculite. That is why they put them in potting soil. Small pebbles in the tree base simply reduce the surface area where evaporation can take place. Like taking plastic ping pong balls and covering the top of an open tank to reduce evaporation.
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henry05
off to a rocking start
Member since November 2021
Posts: 2
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Post by henry05 on Nov 9, 2021 23:27:19 GMT -5
Thanks. Would tumbling reduce water retention in quartzite or sandstone?
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Post by rmf on Nov 10, 2021 6:49:32 GMT -5
Thanks. Would tumbling reduce water retention in quartzite or sandstone? No
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Post by rmf on Nov 10, 2021 6:50:54 GMT -5
Thanks. Would tumbling reduce water retention in quartzite or sandstone? No Actually for best results coarse tumble and use like that or go down to 220 grit. Kind of like the finish on rounded beach gravel.
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