Collection: Aqua Culture

Aqua culture supplies — everything you need to grow plants in water

Aqua culture is a passive form of hydroponics where plants grow directly in a nutrient solution, with no soil and no pump required. This collection brings together everything needed to set up and maintain a water-based grow: inert clay grow media, clear pots designed for root visibility, a purpose-formulated liquid nutrient for ornamental plants, and Kinto glassware for display-style growing. Suited to beginners setting up their first soil-free grow and experienced growers working with orchids, tropical foliage, or the Kratky method.

What's in this collection

• Kinto Aqua Culture Vase (Small/Clear) — Japanese-designed clear glass vessel for passive Kratky-method growing; highlights root growth as it extends into the water below
• TEKU® Clear Orchid Pots (120mm / 150mm) — translucent pots manufactured in Germany by PÖPPELMANN with 13-hole drainage; available in 0.74 L and 1.3 L volumes for orchids, seedlings, and LECA-based grows
• Colossal Clay LECA (13–26mm) — large-grade expanded clay pellets for hydroponics and aquaponics; improves aeration, drainage, and root development; available in 1 L to 50 L bags
• HY-GEN® EuroClay LECA — premium European-sourced expanded clay aggregate; pH stable and reusable; suited to hydroponics, aquaponics, and as a soil amendment
• Tetrabase™ Grow Media — reusable, inert, BPA-free grow media engineered in the USA from recycled materials; dust-free and pH neutral; compatible with DWC and NFT hydroponic systems
• Growth Technology Foliage Focus — one-part liquid nutrient formulated for ornamental and tropical foliage plants; odourless, pH-balanced, and complete; available in 1 L and 5 L

How to choose

Which grow media suits aqua culture?

All three media in this collection — Colossal Clay, HY-GEN EuroClay, and Tetrabase — are inert, pH neutral, and reusable, making them well-suited to water-based growing. Colossal Clay's larger 13–26 mm pellets suit bigger pots and orchid baskets. EuroClay is a finer, more uniform European grade favoured for DWC and NFT runs. Tetrabase is a structural, dust-free alternative made from recycled materials, a strong option if you want to avoid clay dust altogether.

Which pot works best for orchids and LECA grows?

Both TEKU® clear orchid pots let you monitor root health and moisture levels without disturbing the plant — a key advantage when growing in LECA, where overwatering is the most common mistake. The 120 mm (0.74 L) suits compact orchids and seedlings; the 150 mm (1.3 L) is better for established plants or species with larger root systems.

Do I need a separate nutrient for aqua culture?

Yes — without soil, there are no nutrients for roots to access. Growth Technology Foliage Focus is a practical one-part solution for ornamental and tropical plants grown in water or LECA. Being pre-pH balanced and odourless, it works well indoors. Add it at low concentration to begin (around ¼ strength EC), then adjust as the plant establishes.

Is the Kinto vase purely decorative?

The Kinto Aqua Culture Vase is designed to be both functional and display-worthy. It supports passive Kratky growing — a method where roots access a static nutrient solution and draw down the water level over time, creating an air gap that supplies oxygen. No pump, timer, or power source needed. It suits cuttings and smaller water-tolerant species such as pothos, lucky bamboo, or peace lily.

Shop aqua culture supplies at A-Grade Hydroponics

A-Grade Hydroponics stocks the full range of aqua culture essentials at our Cheltenham, VIC store with Australia-wide shipping available. Our team can advise on media selection, nutrient dosing, and compatible plant species — call (03) 9555 6667 or browse the collection above.