{"product_id":"arlita-arcilla-expandida","title":"Expanded clay (Arlita)","description":"\u003cp\u003eSolving drainage in large pots, replacing gravel in lightweight concrete, or creating a permanent growing medium for hydroponics requires a lightweight ceramic aggregate with calibrated porosity. This arlite—also called \u003cstrong\u003eexpanded clay\u003c\/strong\u003e, LECA, or clay balls—is supplied by Gardese in a 40 L bag with 8-16 mm granulation, designed for professional gardening, hydroponics with recirculating systems, decorative landscaping, and lightweight construction projects where indefinite durability and thermal insulation are critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuperior drainage with modulated retention:\u003c\/strong\u003e Internal porosity retains moisture but the space between the balls ensures complete drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot in deep pots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignificant structural lightness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low specific gravity dramatically reduces dead load in tall planters, raised garden beds, and concrete mixes for roofs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThermal and acoustic insulation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The closed cellular structure traps air, improving energy efficiency in roofs, floors, and cavity fillings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndefinite and inert durability:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-temperature ceramic that does not degrade, compact, or rot, is fire and frost-resistant, with a stable neutral pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eControlled Gardese origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Calibrated ceramic by granulometry and processing that minimizes residual dust, producing a homogeneous material in weight and porosity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTypical applications and uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDrainage base in pots, planters, and green roofs to prevent root rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePermanent growing medium in hydroponics with recirculating systems, NFT, and aquaponics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSurface decoration (mulching) in gardening to reduce evaporation and provide a professional finish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLightweight concrete, screed overlays, and leveling fills between beams in construction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eQuality and durability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn inexpensive arlite fails in two points: the granulometric calibration is irregular (which alters drainage behavior) and the thermal processing is inconsistent (which produces balls with variable hardness that break when handled). Gardese works with calibrated expanded clay and controlled firing that ensures uniform hardness, which separates a professional hydroponic or serious construction aggregate from a generic bag that crumbles during use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #F3F6F3; padding: clamp(14px, 4vw, 18px); margin-top: 20px; font-size: 0.9em; color: #555555; border-radius: 8px;\"\u003e\n  \u003cstrong style=\"color: #006902;\"\u003eAlso known as:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n  \u003cstrong\u003eTechnical:\u003c\/strong\u003e expanded clay, LECA, clay balls, clay pebbles, lightweight clay aggregate, ceramsite, expanded clay aggregate.\n  \u003cstrong\u003eIn DR and Caribbean:\u003c\/strong\u003e arlita, bolas de arcilla, arcilla expandida, piedras de arcilla.\n  \u003cstrong\u003eIn other countries:\u003c\/strong\u003e LECA (USA, EU), expanded clay (USA), hydroton (USA, marca), arlita (ES), ceramsita (LATAM).\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"GARDESE","offers":[{"title":"Medium [8 - 16 mm (0.3 - 0.6 in)] \/ 40 L (10.6 gal) bag","offer_id":52100737270088,"sku":"623450","price":3300.0,"currency_code":"DOP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0916\/9751\/2776\/files\/arcilla-expandida-leca-drenaje-sustratos-rd.png?v=1771869972","url":"https:\/\/dodom.com\/en\/products\/expanded-clay-arlite","provider":"Dodom","version":"1.0","type":"link"}