So I was browsing the Ikea website just now because I am going there tomorrow (Ikea is one of my favorite places ever. I have a process which involves doing way too much browsing prior to going.) and I looked in the garden section of their site. They have this "Clay growing medium" called "Odla". It looks very similar to Akadama in every way and is about $5 USD for 5 quarts. I will pick some up and let you know how it works but any thoughts?
Odla Clay Pellets

My first Bonsai is from Ikea, i have had it for four years now, a grafted gemsing/ficus.
I hope to hear a good report from your trip.
Rob

These pellets are too large at 8-15mm. Ideal kernal size is smaller than 5 mm for most plants.

Do not get tempted buying 'bonsai' at IKEA. What they sell there has nothing to do with growing bonsai, besides it being potted treespecies.

Thank you Leatherback, I agree with you for the most part, but it was kind of a gateway for me, I had attempted plants, not just Bonsai, multiple times with poor results. The gensing/ficus gave me hope and now I have 7 bonsai from reputable sellers that are alive and kicking, one that I am trying to bring back, and I am starting seeds for a variety trees. It reopened an Avenue that I had almost given up on

Rob762 wrote:

... I had attempted plants, not just Bonsai, multiple times with poor results. The gensing/ficus gave me hope and now I have 7 bonsai...

Congrats!
Bonsai is about patience and hope, among many other benefits.