Lets Talk Column Packing

[shadylane]

I've been using ceramic rings meant for use in an aquarium.
They seem to work better than scoria or SS mesh.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=77413

Also curious if this material is still your preference?

I think siporax works better than the ceramic rings I've been using.

[The Booze Pipe]

I've been using ceramic rings meant for use in an aquarium.
They seem to work better than scoria or SS mesh.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=77413

Also curious if this material is still your preference?

I think siporax works better than the ceramic rings I've been using.

You don’t think the 15mm(19/32” or in between 9/16” & 5/8”) is too big for a 3” column? From what I read, 8-10 was optimal. But this stuff looks pretty awesome, lots of surface area and light weight.

The ten liter package would be enough to pack my 4x40” column…

[shadylane]

The ten liter package would be enough to pack my 4x40” column…

Damn, I just realized that stuff is $24 a Liter.

Somebody needs to make a shitload of Ceramic Berl Saddles and sell them.

[The Booze Pipe]

The ten liter package is $10.38/L not bad really for something you just have to give a rinse and load into the column. No hammering, shaping, or tumbling… time is money.

I would give a sacrificial run of course. The question is how well it holds up, under its own weight and over time?

[Bushman]

I have never used ceramic saddles but shady your package said to be used in freshwater aquariums. Does this mean it will breakdown in saltwater and if so what does that mean for alcohol? Sounds like a beginners question but I have not researched ceramic as I have been happy with the copper packing I have used for years and spent a little time experimenting with Mash Rookie on other packing options but never tested ceramic because of the cost.

[OtisT]

I use the Siporax in my 4” column. It is made from glass, not ceramics, and I don’t see any signs that Alcohol is degrading it in any way.

The one issue I see with Siporax is that it does “shed” glass particles each time the column is repacked. I guess over time a person may need to add a bit more packing material to make up for the shrink. The dust left is very minimal and not an issue for me. I only run my column a few times a year, and I empty and dry the material each time for storage. I use about 11 liters of the media and I ended up with about a tablespoon or less of dust following the drying and storage process.

The material is very light. I’m actually surprised that, knock on wood, none of the rings have broken in the 4 or 5 times I have repacked the column.

[shadylane]

I have never used ceramic saddles but shady your package said to be used in freshwater aquariums. Does this mean it will breakdown in saltwater and if so what does that mean for alcohol? Sounds like a beginners question but I have not researched ceramic as I have been happy with the copper packing I have used for years and spent a little time experimenting with Mash Rookie on other packing options but never tested ceramic because of the cost.

The rings I've been using, the one with the little holes. Haven't changed in several years of use.
The edges of the rings are still sharp, well defined and even the same color as new.
There's also nothing left in the bottom of the pot after use.

Bubba has been experimenting with DIY ceramic saddles and has good luck with them.
But it's a pain in the ass making.