Mixing soil-less Sunshine #4 with Hydroton rocks

So I have a small operation....8 clones (mostly ready to transplant) in the basement (area about 10x10). 1- 600 watt going now and one on standby. The Mr. Myagi at my local grow shop recommended Sunshine #4 Soil-less aggregate (including Perlite). I also bought a couple bags of the Easy Green Hydroton rocks to mix with the Sunshine and create more room for the roots to breathe (per suggestion)- does this make sense? Is it necessary? Any tips on transplanting? I am a sponge- so any info is appreciated!

No it doesnt make sense, hydroton is probably the most airated medium you can get so mixing it with anything lowers its ability to deliver fresh air around the roots. Altho it's not a bad thing mixing it with the soil of choice as hydroton lacks to ability to hold much water, so it could potentially be better depending on the ratio you mix with. either way i can't see it working? one watering is going to flush the soil straight to the bottom of the pot anyway, using rockwool in hydroton is the way to go to allow air to the roots and a reasonable water holder

hmmm ok thx... So what would u think a good ratio would be if i were going to do it like that? i might as well try it on a couple...

wouldn't know m8, my opinion would be 80/20 , 80% bein the soilless sunshine mix and 20% hydroton, but i don't really know mate i would just use 1 or the other

I use 707 and hydroton in my tamatos. Works good in that field.

cool

I use em with Sunshine #4 Aggregate Plus.
Love em and heres why and how
Landscape fabric cover bottom and drain holes
pour in non buggy or fungi hydrotron in bottom of bag again covering drainage holes
Mix #4 Agg + 10% Hydrotron +10% course vermeculite + 10% perlite
Lastly after transplanting from party cup cover top of bag with layer of hydrotron - creates a clean medium coverage slowing evaporation uppwards through medium, slows not stops less humidity and area for yuk to accumulate
Creates clean, airy medium that drains well, retains what seems to be a good moisture to air ratio and can be flushed if you over fert fairly easily.
Just doesn't have a downside in my humble opinion

Edit - regarding soil loss - just not had a problem with it. Do see some minor settling with #4 going to bottom but fabric holds it in the bag and I prewater before transplant with empty cup in middle, spin the cup a couple of times, remove, then insert party cup clone into opening wa la

cool man...i was starting to think it was pointless, but plants seem to be veggin pretty well 3 weeks after transplant. I may try the layer on top next time. thx!

Well, it IS pointless, which you will figure out for yourself with experience.

Wet