Substrate question .. Cannot get tree fern fibre or Orchid bark

[bucknetbucky]

Well I went and got all the stuff I needed on the list. I know am going to actually mix the stuff but have one question about the charcoal .... How big should the peices be and is it actually mixed in or used as the bottom layer?

Thanks for all the help.

[UncleChester]

"Fine or medium" are the usual given grades for the charcoal, and mixed in with the substrate not a separate layer.

I use the lump charcoal for the bbq from Home Depot and hammer it to be pretty fine. If you go the "smash your own route" make sure the stuff you get contains only charcoal (no lighter fluid, Duraflame makes something suitable) and do the smashing outdoors and with the charcoal in a bag to contain the dust, this is messy.

[bucknetbucky]

"Fine or medium" are the usual given grades for the charcoal, and mixed in with the substrate not a separate layer.

I use the lump charcoal for the bbq from Home Depot and hammer it to be pretty fine. If you go the "smash your own route" make sure the stuff you get contains only charcoal (no lighter fluid, Duraflame makes something suitable) and do the smashing outdoors and with the charcoal in a bag to contain the dust, this is messy.

That's what I needed to know .. I guess I have some more smashing to do lol. I have already mixed the other contents and I have to say that the mixture feels, smells and looks great.

[Mentat]

An idea for the lump charcoal smashing if you have access to big tire truck or 4x4. Get a new cheap pillow case; fill around 1/3-1/2 full and tie end. Drive slowly back and forth over it on hard concrete surface until charcoal is ground to desired fineness. Repeat as required for rest of lumps and throw pillow afterwards on trash (it will be ruined) .