Grow media essentially replicates soil from traditional gardening, and contains all the same elements, so it’s important to choose the right aquaponics grow media to get the best growth from your plants.
I’ve analyzed the bestselling grow media from Amazon and narrowed it down to 5 of the best rated branded products. Below the table you will also find more detailed descriptions of each product.
![]() Growstones Secret Substrate | ![]() Hydrofarm Coco-Dan Croutons | ![]() Potting Media Hydroton Leca Clay | ![]() Viastones Expanded Clay Rocks | ![]() Plant!t Clay Pebbles | |
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Our User Rating | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Type | Hydroponic Substrate | Coco-Dan Croutons | Hydroton Leca Clay | Expanded Clay Rocks (hydroton) | 100% Natural Clay |
Size | 35 liters | 28 liters | 10 liters | 50 liters | 10 liters |
pH Neutral | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Pre-Washed | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Pebble Size | N/A | N/A | N/A | 8-16mm | 8-16mm |
Bag Size | 33" x 16" x 7" | 25" x 7" x 4.5" | N/A | N/A | 18" x 12" x 3" |
Price | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** | **CHECK PRICE** |
Best Aquaponics Grow Media Reviewed
1) Growstones Secret Hydroponic / Aquaponic Substrate
Our User Rating
Growstones Secret Substrate are various sized lightweight rocks that are produced to provide the optimum ratio of water retention and aeration (water to air ratio). They’re an effective growing media for vegetables, fruit and flowering plants such as strawberries, orchids and tomatoes.
Click Here To Buy Growstones Secret Substrate Now!
2) Hydrofarm Coco-Dan Croutons
Our User Rating
Hydrofarm Coco-Can Croutons is a great organic alternative to clay pellets or rocks, and can also be mixed with them. They’re lightweight and already rinsed in freshwater, so arrive ready to use immediately.
They’re similar to clay pellets in terms of water holding capacity and their porous structure enables roots to easily penetrate through. Mould and fungus is less likely due to their neutral pH status, and its size and structure remains consistent throughout.
Click Here To Buy Hydrofarm’s Coco-Dan Croutons Now!
3) Potting Media Hydroton Leca Clay
Our User Rating
Consisting of a uniformed, rounded shape and made from 100% clay, Hydroton Leca Clay by Potting Media provides plenty of root aeration and prevents rotting, excess acidity and soil pests, thanks to the capillarity and the structure of the clay pebbles.
They are also clean and pH neutral. As an important note, be sure to grab the 10lbs bag instead of the 2lbs, as you will save yourself a heap of money.
Click Here To Buy Potting Media’s Hydroton Leca Clay Now!
4) Viastone Expanded Clay Rocks
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The eco-friendly Viastone Expanded Clay Rocks (hydroton) measure between 8 – 16mm in size, and they help to provide high levels of oxygen around the roots, which in turn, promotes healthier, larger and faster plant growth.
The pellets are pH neutral, which means it won’t affect the pH level of your aquaponic system, they’re reusable and lightweight, and they contain the right amount of air to water ratio which allows them to drain freely without holding excess water.
Click Here To Buy Viastone’s Expanded Clay Rocks Now!
5) Plant!t Clay Pebbles
Our User Rating
Made from 100% natural clay, Plant!t Clay Pebbles are clean and pre-washed to help in pH stability (meaning they’re less likely to affect the pH level of your system) and provides excellent water and air aeration.
The pebbles’ unique structure allows them to cover a larger surface area which provides the ideal environment for beneficial bacterial growth surrounding the root zone, and as a result, your plants will be naturally healthier.
Click Here To Buy Play!t Clay Pebbles Now!
To get the most out of your aquaponics system, I highly recommend the following articles, where you can decide from the highest rated and bestselling products for aquaponics.

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