The difference between LECA(clay balls) and Rocks?

[nocturnal80]

Hello, I'm building a vivarium and want to know what the difference between clay balls and rocks are? Almost everyone uses clay rocks but I dont understand why? Dont rocks do basically the same thing?

[Devil_Boy]

As far as i know the difference is the clay balls absorb water where rocks dont. And the weight; a bunch of rocks weigh quite a bit compared to the clay balls. Im not to sure of the price difference. But quite a bit of people use gravel too.

[rudd03]

Can't plants root in the clayballs too? I'm a newb to this too.

[Jason]

LECA
Lightweight Expanded
Clay Aggregate
Also known as fired clay pebble and grow rocks, Hydroton Clay Pebbles are scientifically prepared specifically for hydroculture use. This versatile medium has hundreds of tiny pores that retain moisture. Large 8 to 16 mm average diameter size allows for maximum oxygen to the roots while providing a stable base for plant roots grown in active hydroponic systems or passive hydroculture applications.Perfect for passive, wick, and subirrigation use, individual hydroculture pots or hydroponic systems. pH neutral. Reuse over and over by rinsing out roots then sterilizing in a very mild bleach solution. Rocks however are ... rocks

[Rainfrog]

There are a few things to consider when making this decision:

1.rocks are heavy and add alot of weightto the viv, clay balls are light.

2. smaller gravel packs togeather and does not drain well after a short time.

your main concern is drainage. I prefer clay to gravel, but gravel is fine to use as long as you dont ming the weight it adds. if you can get clay though I would. it is not expensive if you can get it at a gardening shop (about $45 usd fo a big 50L bag) and is a superior product.

I like to use several (3-5) inches of clay pellets for my drainage layer and then put down some weed barrier (3ft by 50ft roll for $13.00 at home depot). The weed barrier lasts for 5 or ten years depending on the type you get and keeps your substrate from packing into the drainage layer, causing root rot from too much moisture in the soil.