alternative media

I am wanting to try a hydro grow, i usually use soil. I dont have access to hydroton, unless i order it online and I'm trying to avoid that. I have a bunch of red clay pots I have no need for, I was thinking of smashing them up and mixing with soil for a hydro grow. Anyone ever try using alternative medium for hydro grows? Ideas?

Gravel, round rocks, perlite, marbles, coarse sand and gravel mixed. Rubber tires cut into little cubes. Crushed glass bottles from a recycler plant. I prefer totally inert non soil mediums and chemical fertilizers. Broken clay pots would work fine, but I would not add soil to the clay bits and pieces.