Quick charcoal substrate questions

[AbranV]

I'll make this short and sweet.
I have a few questions about the charcoal used in substrates.

1. Is it the same, in theory, as aquarium activated carbon?

2. Can the aquarium carbon be substituted? If not, why?

3. I've read that the charcoal is all natural hard wood charcoal. Being a furniture builder, I have plenty of scrap hardwood. Can I just make my own?

Many thanks,
Abran

[deranged chipmunk]

Yes, yes, and yes, provided it is made correctly. It's a bit more involved than just burning wood.

Personally, I leave charcoal out of my mix and instead use coarse blend orchid bark and fir bark to help with drainage. The fir bark replaces the tree fern fiber in my mix.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[AbranV]

Sweet, thanks Bill.

I've been to four nurseries and so far no luck. I've seen lump hardwood charcoal for grilling, it says its 100% natural, but I don't want to take a chance.

There's making my own or buying it online(I'm too cheap, and lazy for either option) So aquarium carbon it is!

Also, thanks for the hint on using fir bark instead of tree fern fiber. Bigfoot's been easier to come by than that stuff.

[deranged chipmunk]

No problem buddy. You can actually crush up that lump charcoal, provided it does not have additives like lighter fluid. It is a lot of work though. Although Carlos (mentat) recommends running over it with a truck numerous times, which I personally think is bloody brilliant!!


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela