Did I Throw Away A Valuable Resource? Biochar From Used Aquarium Carbon?

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Used aquarium activated carbon is identified as an excellent source for creating biochar, a nearly permanent fertilizer used historically in South America. The author expresses regret over discarding this material for three decades, realizing its potential value in gardening. Many people hesitate to use biochar due to unconventional preparation methods, such as soaking charcoal in urine. The discussion emphasizes the importance of repurposing waste materials for beneficial uses in gardening. The author aims to raise awareness about this resource to promote sustainable practices.
BigDon
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As an avid gardener and aquarist I felt like a colossal fool after reading on the subject of a near permanent fertilizer, biochar. Used by South Americans for millennia. A lot of people balk at using it because soaking charcoal in urine for a month seems a bit outre to them.

And while reading this I began to kick myself hard for all of the used activated carbon I threw away during the course of my three decades of fish keeping. Used aquarium activated carbon is *perfect* biochar material!

So here is my attempt to leave the world a better place than when I found it. By connecting a former waste stream to something incredibly useful.

Thank you, that is all. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochar
 
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Your post on urie uses reminded me of the Sean Connery movie Medicine Man where the shaman applied urine to some bark to make some sort of analgesic for a patient. (I think that was the scene but I couldn't find a reference)

I did find this funny video reference that may bring tears to your eyes:

 
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