{"product_id":"clay-balls-leca-50l-hydroponic-growing-medium-australia","title":"Clay Balls (LECA) 50L | Hydro Expanded Clay Hydroponic Growing Medium Australia","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClay Balls (LECA) 50L. Hydro Expanded Clay Hydroponic Growing Medium for High-Aeration Root Systems\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHydro Expanded Clay 50L is a bulk hydroponic growing medium engineered for maximum root oxygenation, rapid drainage, and stable plant development across soil-less systems. Each pellet measures 16mm to 25mm and is produced by kiln-expanding natural clay, forming a porous, inert structure that maintains an optimal balance of air, moisture, and root support.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 50L format is ideal for larger hydroponic systems, commercial applications, and indoor growers scaling production. Reusable, contamination-resistant, and consistent across multiple growth cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e50L Bulk Volume.\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for large grow systems and high plant counts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16mm to 25mm Pellet Size.\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimised for airflow, drainage, and root anchoring across all major hydroponic systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHighly Porous LECA Structure.\u003c\/strong\u003e Maximises oxygen availability to roots and prevents anaerobic conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent Drainage Profile.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prevents waterlogging and root rot in recirculating and drain-to-waste systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInert and pH Neutral.\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with all nutrient programs without interference.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReusable Growing Media.\u003c\/strong\u003e Wash and sterilise for multiple cycles, reducing ongoing media costs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMould and Pest Resistant.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cleaner root zone compared to organic media.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThermal Buffering.\u003c\/strong\u003e Helps stabilise root zone temperatures across seasonal variation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow It Works\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eHydro Expanded Clay pellets (16mm to 25mm) are kiln-fired at high temperatures, creating a rigid porous shell around a lightweight core. This structure retains surface moisture between irrigation cycles while draining excess water freely, maintaining the three critical root zone variables: oxygenation, moisture availability, and physical root support. The inert composition ensures zero nutrient interference, making it compatible with any nutrient program from seedling through to harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSystem Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16mm to 25mm pellet size for optimal air-to-water ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInert and pH neutral. No buffering required before use beyond a rinse.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReusable after sterilisation with a hydroponic cleaner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight aggregate reduces system load and handling fatigue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with all recirculating and drain-to-waste hydroponic systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep Water Culture (DWC)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEbb and Flow (Flood and Drain)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrip Irrigation Systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSemi-Hydro Indoor Plant Systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquaponics Systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommercial scale hydroponic production\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat Sets It Apart\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 16mm to 25mm, Hydro Expanded Clay sits in the optimal size range for most hydroponic net pots and grow sites. Smaller pellets compact and restrict airflow. Larger pellets reduce root contact and anchoring. This size delivers the right balance for fast root colonisation, stable plant support, and consistent drainage performance across all system types.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Bought Together\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommonly paired with Hydro Expanded Clay 50L for complete system builds:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bubblebox-top-feed-dwc-hydroponic-system-australia\"\u003eBubblebox Top Feed DWC System. Deep Water Culture Hydroponic System\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/terra-aquatica-tripart-micro\"\u003eTerra Aquatica TriPart Micro, Grow and Bloom. 3-Part Hydroponic Nutrient System\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/o16-stabilized-oxygen-plant-booster\"\u003eO16 Stabilised Oxygen. Root Health and Disease Control\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/gt-super-pk-bloom-booster-australia\"\u003eGrowth Technology GT Super PK. High-PK Bloom Booster\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hydro Expanded Clay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume.\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 Litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePellet Size.\u003c\/strong\u003e 16mm to 25mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial.\u003c\/strong\u003e Kiln-Fired Expanded Clay Aggregate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStructure.\u003c\/strong\u003e Porous Lightweight Pebbles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunction.\u003c\/strong\u003e Root Aeration and Drainage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Retention.\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAeration.\u003c\/strong\u003e High Oxygen Root Zone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Stability.\u003c\/strong\u003e Neutral \/ Inert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReusability.\u003c\/strong\u003e Reusable After Cleaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hydroponics, Indoor Plants, Aquaponics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContamination Resistance.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mould and Pest Resistant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Weight.\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 20kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need to prepare Clay Balls (LECA) 50L before using it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoco coir products including Clay Balls (LECA) 50L should be pre-buffered with a calcium-magnesium solution before use to prevent cation exchange issues that cause nutrient lockout. Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) should be thoroughly rinsed and soaked in pH-adjusted water before planting to remove dust and stabilise pH. Rockwool should be pre-soaked in pH 5.5 water for 24 hours before use to lower its naturally alkaline pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I reuse Clay Balls (LECA) 50L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInert media such as expanded clay pebbles can be sterilised and reused multiple times. Rinse thoroughly, soak in a 10% bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution, rinse again with clean water, and re-buffer before reuse. Coco coir can be reused for 2–3 grows if properly maintained and sterilised between cycles. Rockwool is typically single-use in commercial applications but can be reused in home setups with thorough cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat nutrient solution pH should I use with Clay Balls (LECA) 50L?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTarget pH 5.8–6.2 for coco and hydro inert media. Soil users should target 6.0–6.5. Maintaining pH within the optimal range ensures all macro and micronutrients remain soluble and available to plant roots. Use a calibrated pH pen and adjust with pH Up or pH Down solution as needed after mixing your nutrient solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Clay Balls (LECA) 50L ship fast within Australia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — Clay Balls (LECA) 50L ships from our Australian warehouse with fast tracked delivery Australia-wide. Most east coast orders arrive within 2–5 business days. WA, NT, and TAS orders typically arrive within 5–12 business days.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hydro Expanded Clay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43210815701055,"sku":null,"price":39.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/6898\/8479\/files\/71cNRk61cmL-600x450.jpg?v=1777803533","url":"https:\/\/apexgrow.com.au\/products\/clay-balls-leca-50l-hydroponic-growing-medium-australia","provider":"Apex Grow","version":"1.0","type":"link"}