Substrate Mixing Question

[kmaurine]

I am getting ready to dump my substrate and start fresh. I am brand new to this. I know the generally recommended ratio is 5 pts sand to 1 pt EE. If I am mixing the play sand with salt water to I get it to sandcastle consistency before adding the EE? Then do I layer the EE on top or mix it into the sand? Or do I mix the moistened EE into the sand and then add any additional water needed to get to the desired consistency?

[wodesorel]

I wet the EE down according to the package directions with hot saltwater, and then mix in the dry sand. That way you can control how much more moisture needs to be added after that, because the EE will normally end up soupy. You could do each separately, but you should only use maybe half the water that the directions say to on the EE for it to come out fluffy and not drippy.

[soilentgringa]

The easiest way to do it is to get the compressed bricks of EE (like a 3 pack for $10) and if you choose to moisten with saltwater, mix a gallon of dechlorinated salt water. If you use 1 gallon per EE brick and mix your dry sand into it, you should have a good consistency.
I used like 3-4 bricks for 250lbs of sand. It doesn't HAVE to be an exact ratio but I believe you're aiming for about 1/2 a brick of EE per 50lb bag of sand.
That's just how I did it and what I found to be the easiest way. I mixed in a large tote before realizing that you can mix it right in the tank.

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[kmaurine]

Thank you, guys! All mixed and set up. I will post pics of the habitat a bit later for feedback.

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