Best Way to Mix Substrate - Your Opinions Please

[Asheka]

So, I think the title is overly self explanatory, but I'm looking for what works best for you for mixing sub. I'm going to be using 2-3 bags of Play Sand (might not need all of the third depending on the sizes I grab) and one to two small bags of EE (35G tank) and was thinking about how to keep it mixed and moist the best.
I was thinking like an inch at a time, or less, while misting/spraying each layer. Opinions?

[wodesorel]

You'll need to get your hands in it to mix it up well, make sure the water is evenly incorporated, and to make sure it has the right level of moisture. I find it easier to mix smaller amounts in a cement trough ($6 at Home Depot) or in a bucket and add it to the tank as it's ready. You could always do it in the tank, but I'm so short I always get chaffed armpits from the tank rim even when on a step stool.

[Asheka]

I never thought of that. I'm hopefully going to find a good coffee table to put my tank on, so it'll probably be my back to scream first.
Is it really just by feel for the right mix? Everyone says "sand castle consistency", so basically once it is kinda "packy" I'm good?

[wodesorel]

Yep! When we say sand castle consistency, we mean exactly that:


I got bored one winter and made the tank beachy to compensate for cabin fever....

[Asheka]

That's awesome! Do I really need the EE? My last Crabitat was mostly EE before I found out that it's not good. I have one bag of it I'll use, but maybe just mixed into the top half if it's not really necessary.

[wodesorel]

I moved away from using straight sand because it was too hard to keep moist and I had trouble with humidity. Cocofiber really helps with drainage and aeration, and helps to stabilize humidity levels in the air and moisture levels in the substrate. One bag to a tankful of sand would be a good ratio. Many crabbers have used straight EE for over a decade with no problems, so it is safe for hermits, but straight EE can be a challenge to keep at the right level of wetness, since if it gets too dry it will get powdery and if it gets too wet it'll rot.

[Asheka]

Ah, gotcha. Thanks!I may pick up a second bag just to have an even mixture, and to keep any extra for cleaning.

[Gloaming]

When I mixed mine up, I soaked the EE really well and then mixed it with the sand. I didn't have to add a whole lot of water to it then. Gosh, was that hard work. By the time I'd finished layering and mixing it all (in the tank itself), my back was killing me! Lol


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[jaelynn]

I mixed mine right in the tank. I used a bit more than 2 bricks of EE and 2 bags of play sand and got about 8-9 inches of substrate in my 35 gallon.

I soaked 1 Brick of EE really well, and poured that ahead in the tank. Then I poured one whole bag of playsand and mixed it all up with my hands. Then I repeated that; soaked another brick really well and poured that in, and then added the second bag of playsand and mixed all of that by hand too.

After all of that, it still wasn't wet enough so I dumped some more water straight into the tank and then mixed it by hand again. If you end up having to pour extra water right into the tank, make sure when you mix it up after that you go right to the bottom to make sure that there isn't water pooling!

My tank was at the right level that my back didn't hurt, which surprised me because I suffer from chronic pain. But I did all of this Sunday night and my arms are still sore!

Best of luck!


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[Asheka]

Thanks! Heh

[CallaLily]

I find it easier to mix it in the tank. Get it all over with and contain the mess more. I usually soak a couple bricks of cocofiber right in the tank - a gallon of water per brick, usually saltwater. Then when that's ready, I mix in the dry play sand by hand adding more freshwater if needed.

[Asheka]

I was thinking that, containing the mess heh I don't have the bricks, it's one of the large bags. I'm going to grab a second one when I get the sand. Will have to refresh myself on it's instructions, but I don't think it needs the same amount of water, if any, technically. I can't wait!

[CallaLily]

Well most would say I'm adding too much water to the bricks but I'm purposefully making it soppy because I then mix in the dry sand - which usually leaves it moistened perfectly once mixed thoroughly. Sometimes I have to add more water though. But you may be right about not needing as much with the bagged....I've only ever used the bricks.

[kornchaser]

I always mix with my hands, besides the aftermath of cleaning under my nails it's still better than with the plastic scoop. I usually add water to the sand separately from adding it to the EE since I use bricks. I go back and forth from pouring in sand / mix w water / soaking EE / mix EE and sand continue...


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[Asheka]

Is it sad I'm excited for this? I'm going to read the bag tonight, because along with being weird I'm the type to want to know exactly what I need to be doing in a couple weeks