Professor’s Nutrients Hydro Clay LECA Pebbles 8–16mm

Product Description

Professor’s Nutrients Hydro Clay is a pH-neutral, nutrient-free growing medium made from 100% Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA). The uniform 8–16mm clay pebbles feature a lightweight, porous structure that supports root-zone aeration, reliable drainage and healthy root development.

Hydro Clay retains a controlled amount of moisture while allowing excess nutrient solution to drain freely. Because it contains no added nutrients, growers can precisely manage plant nutrition, pH and EC according to their crop and growing system.

Suitable for hydroponics, aquaponics, Deep Water Culture (DWC) and drip-feed systems, Hydro Clay can be used as a standalone medium, blended with other substrates or applied as a top dressing over potting mix.

Key Benefits

• Made from 100% LECA expanded clay
• Uniform 8–16mm clay pebbles
• Improves root-zone aeration and oxygen availability
• Provides effective drainage
• Retains a controlled amount of moisture
• Helps reduce the risk of waterlogged growing media
• pH-neutral and nutrient-free
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Suitable for standalone use or substrate blending
• Ideal for multiple hydroponic and aquaponic systems

When applied as a dry top layer, Hydro Clay may also make moist substrate less accessible to fungus gnats. It should be used alongside appropriate pest-monitoring and control practices rather than as a standalone insect treatment.

Suitable Applications

Professor’s Nutrients Hydro Clay can be used for:

• Hydroponic growing systems
• Aquaponic systems
• Deep Water Culture systems
• Drip-feed irrigation systems
• Net pots and plant containers
• Mixing with other growing substrates
• Improving drainage in container plants
• Top dressing for indoor pot plants

How to Use

1. Rinse the clay pebbles thoroughly with clean water to remove loose dust and debris.
2. Fill the plant container or net pot with the rinsed Hydro Clay.
3. Position the plant carefully and distribute the clay pebbles evenly around the roots.
4. Fill the reservoir with a suitable nutrient solution prepared according to the nutrient manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Monitor the nutrient solution’s pH, EC and water level according to the requirements of the plant and growing system.

For top dressing, spread an even layer over the surface of the potting mix while keeping the plant’s stem or crown clear.

Composition and Physical Properties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Professor’s Nutrients Hydro Clay?

It is a growing medium made from 100% Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate. Its porous structure provides aeration, drainage and physical support around plant roots.

Does Hydro Clay contain plant nutrients?

No. Hydro Clay has no nutrient value, allowing growers to control plant nutrition through their chosen nutrient solution.

Can Hydro Clay be used on its own?

Yes. It can be used as a standalone medium in compatible hydroponic systems or blended with coco, potting mix and other substrates.

Should the clay pebbles be rinsed before use?

Yes. Always rinse the pebbles thoroughly to remove loose dust and debris before placing them into a growing system.

Is Hydro Clay suitable for DWC?

Yes. The 8–16mm pebbles are suitable for supporting plants in net pots used in Deep Water Culture systems.

Does Hydro Clay eliminate fungus gnats?

A dry top layer may help discourage fungus gnats from accessing moist growing media, but Hydro Clay is not an insecticide and should not replace a complete pest-management program.