Another substrate question....

[postal]

Hello,

I'm setting up a new dart tank and plan on using coco husk primarily. (the chunky kind)

I have exo terra "forest moss", carbon, and course sand...

My first tank I did a ABG mix and really didnt like it. I want easy with good draining and be able to grow plants/moss.

Coco husk by itself... and cover it with the exo terra moss- and grow moss on top of that? or mix the coco and moss? Then a layer of moss? I hear bad things about mixing carbon in, so I'm not planning on it, but I do have some... I could also add course sand to the mix if it were necessary....

I'm thinking of planting java moss if the soil stays wet enough. This is a false bottom with weedblock. About 1" clearance from water to bottom of eggcrate. No gravel/leca etc.
54? 60? g corner unit that I will have to move eventually... so I need to keep it light...

[cindre2000]

I just play with my mix until I get what I want. I add coarser pieces for more drainage, finer stuff to hold moisture; etc. The coarse coco husk probably will not stay too wet, if you use the fine stuff it will probably always be soggy; great for java moss; bad for most plants...

[postal]

That's kinda what I thought...

I ran 1 brick through a strainer to get the finer grain stuff out to glue on my background- which left the course stuff for planting.. (a blender sure helps to get more fine fiber!)

I have another full brick soaking in water now to leach out some excess tannins- Should probably strain it too...