I'm looking for the best place to source the best/cheapest small grain akadama, black lava, and pumice. I'd like to buy it in like 50lb or so bags. Where do you guys get it like that? There's loads of online bonsai supply places selling it, but it's in small quantities, and cost way too much. Any help would be appreciated!!
Your question is revealing.
Basically products that have been sieved to certain sizes are rarely sold in bulk. They come in predetermined package size by the manufacturer or distributor.
You purchase them in quantity in order to get some reduction in the regular retail price.
For Akadama as an example, the bag size is usually 13 litres, there are several grades of quality as well as size of grain. The most cost effective way to purchase is by a container full of pallets from the producer in Japan, the next is from a local distributor by the pallet ( approx 55 bags). Some retailers will give a small discount for purchasing multiple bags but not much or very often does it go on sale! Usually if the price is substantially lower so is the quality.
For black lava ( Scoria) the only source of sieved small particles I have found sells it in 55 lb bags. It can be purchased for a discount in pallets of 50 bags. But the screened and sieved size is not available in bulk.
Pumice is very inexpensive compared to the other two products because it is locally available across North America. If sieved and screened it is usually sold in same size bags as Akadama, occasionally larger bags because it is very light weight. readily available in bulk if you wish to screen and sieve yourself. I purchase it by the pallet ( 75 bags ).
Because you are in California you could contact Bonsai Tonight, online store. Jonas does sell larger quantities of bagged bonsai soil and some individual components ,also he is located in your state which should reduce shipping costs and possibly allow for pick up if you are close to his location.
You may wish to join in with a club or other enthusiasts to purchase bulk if savings are important.
From my experience best and cheapest do not coexist.
Obtaining best quality at the most economical option is possible, but requires a larger budget to obtain initially.
The best source of specific information are your local clubs or closest bonsai clubs. This is due to the high cost of shipping involved in the type of product you are seeking. You need the closest distributor often to get the fairest price. If you wish to focus on Southern California then the San Diego Bonsai Club is close to you.
The San Diego Bonsai Club has a list of vendors which specifically indicates who has what components in your area. Check out their website.
