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Is Charcoal Necessary
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Posted by dianemumm 5 (My Page) on Sat, Feb 5, 11 at 21:27
I am wanting to put together a few glass terrariums and wonder if everyone uses charcoal, and is this necessary?.. Give me some input.
thanks
Diane
http://picketfencegreenhouse.info |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Is Charcoal Necessary
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| No, its purpose is to provide drainage; preventing plant roots from rotting. Instead of charcoal you could use gravel. |
RE: Is Charcoal Necessary
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hey Diane,
I have to go against greenthumbzone. I use charcoal in all my terrariums, either as a layer or mixed into the soil. I find that it keeps my terrariums fresher and less moldy. |
RE: Is Charcoal Necessary
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| And now, the rebuttal ...... LOL Diane, charcoal is NOT necessary though many folks do use it. Its ability to "keep a terrarium fresher" is very limited -- not unlike the open box of baking soda many folks put in their fridge. Personally, I have never seen it make any difference mold-wise. It is lightweight, inexpensive, far more durable than perlite, and (assuming one uses the large grade horticultural charcoal) can help keep the media a bit more 'airy' as opposed to regular soils which tend to quickly get packed down. Some folks also like the fact that it is black and so generally does not stand out thereby detracting from the look of one's terr. |
RE: Is Charcoal Necessary
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| I use a thin layer atop my gravel layer in mine, it does provide a necessary service. You can pick it up cheap in the fish area at walmart, etc. |
RE: Is Charcoal Necessary
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| How much charcoal (if I wind up using it) for a terrarium 20 inches x 10 x 10. A 'sprinkle'? A cup? First terrarium and if there's no downside to it, I think I'll used it. |
RE: Is Charcoal Necessary
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| There's no downside -- just no real upside either. Just make sure you do not use the charcoal one would use for the grill. That coal has been treated with chemicals that would be harmful for your plants. Make sure it is horticultural grade. I don't know what size the pieces are for aquarium use -- I'd assume its quite small. Large grade (pieces 1/2"-1" can be obtained from some nurseries -- particularly those growing orchids. |
RE: Is Charcoal Necessary
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| I've made terrariums with and without charcoal, and I think the ones *with* the charcoal have been more successful. I do a layer of gravel, and then maybe 1/4 to 1/2 c charcoal (depending on terrarium size), then my plants/soil. It's just from the pet store, so not a big deal. Good luck. |
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