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Alternative to Cat litter?
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Author:  richardb [ 07 May 2020, 14:31 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

Thanks paul

Author:  darreng [ 07 May 2020, 15:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

Erekose wrote:
Yes you do need to be careful when buying molar clay cat litter as there are often products which look similar in the picture on the packaging but turn out to be completely unsuitable. The Sanicat is ‘Sanicat Pink’.
Interesting article here about various sources for molar clay granules:
http://www.srgc.org.uk/wisley/2008/100908/log.html
I have not tried Seramis always being put off by the price but I know a lot of EU cactus growers use it as it seems to be a lot cheaper across the channel.
When the lockdown subsides a little I am going to try the new Tesco product as I have noticed the price of Sanicat has crept up quite steadily and the last 30L cost me £14. Is the new Tesco version still labelled as ‘Low dust’?


Yep, same name

Author:  Erekose [ 07 May 2020, 19:23 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

Thanks Darren.

Author:  Rivulus123 [ 25 May 2020, 04:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

Hi
As a bonsai virgin I hope you don't mind me joining in and posing a few questions of my own.
I used to use Tesco's low dust many years ago when growing aquarium plants and breeding fish as substrata. It was great stuff and served me well. I washed it first though. Now I find that Tescos have discontinued and recontinued this product a number of times and I don't wish to use it for my venture into bonsai.
I have bought a bag or Sanikat (pink) from P@H and hope to mix up soil including just a little Westlands Bonsai.
Is Sanikat perfumed at all, will this harm anything, should I prewash this product before use to release any additives and dust.
Image
Regards
C

Author:  Cuchilo [ 25 May 2020, 08:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

I just use sanicat pink straight out of the bag . I use a scoop with a sieve at the bottom . I started adding other soils but found it kept everything too wet so either use it on its own or mix in some akadama and pumice .

Author:  Harry [ 25 May 2020, 09:06 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

I just use sanicat pink straight out of the bag mix in 1/3 fine wood bark

Author:  Nutcracker [ 25 May 2020, 12:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

I tend to mix it with some John Innes No 3 as it holds together better and doesn't cascade all over the place when my significant other knocks a pot flying, especially the ones in training in regular plastic plant pots.

Author:  Rivulus123 [ 25 May 2020, 13:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

Cheers for that guys.
My idea was to mix (just a very little amount of this soil) with probably 90% Kittydama ::dunno:

Image

When it comes to a full re-pot next Spring.
Any thoughts, please
Regards
C

Author:  Gary Jones [ 25 May 2020, 14:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

There's plenty of threads on here about soils and mixes. Search and enjoy. That's a bonsai mix you've shown so you could use it straight - it's probably a mix of granular gritty mix, bark and compost. I prefer Akadama myself (it gives the best results) but it can be a little more expensive. I've used a lot of cat litter (sanicat) for trees with no problems. I'm sure you've already picked up the main thing is to have a granular mix so that water can drain through easily and air can get to the roots as well. Those are the most important factors. The more your mix drains the more you'll have to make sure it doesn't dry out. In the current hot weather, if I don't water my trees by lunch time, some of them are sagging.

Author:  Rivulus123 [ 25 May 2020, 15:09 ]
Post subject:  Re: Alternative to Cat litter?

Thanks again Gary for your input.
Yes I've been reading, reading, and more reading and I totally get the concept. Akadama would be my material of choice as would more trees. But I'm furloughed so have to live within my means at the moment. I like making things and adapting so long as it's not too outside the box. But I have to walk before I run. Asking questions and getting answers from the folks who know is fantastic and I thank you and others for taking the time out to reply, no matter how many times you must have heard the same old topic flogged into oblivion.
much appreciated
Regards
C

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