I have a question.

Futurehabitatcreator · #1 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 10:20 PM

Thanks for all the information guys.

JohnEDove · #2 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 11:17 PM

You "can" get away without a false bottom for plants if you ONLY use plants that like setting in constant moisture. Without a false bottom you do not have the drainage that most plants need.

Futurehabitatcreator · #3 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 11:20 PM

Thanks for the response.

I have another question if you don't mind.

I'm aware this isn't a false bottom but more of a drainage layer, but would it work to have gravel, then dirt?

No screens, just Gravel as bottom layer, then dirt?

islandvivs · #4 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 01:05 AM

Hey future do you have any hydroponics store or you can even try the home depot's plant deparment and ask for LECA or hydroton. This is how it looks like Hydroton Growing Media - 5 Liter Bag - 6 pounds
LECA works great for what you need...I prefer to use it for terrariums where i dont need a large water body. Also its very light and excellent drainage material. If i were in your shoes ill put a 3 inch or so layer of LECA, screen then substrate. Ofcourse you can do it without screen too but i prefer screen between my drainage layer and substrate layer.

Tiamat · #5 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 01:09 AM

personaly, i couldn't do it without leca. People who use gravel, i just can't understand. It is not wrong in any way, but leca is so much better on many level.

Futurehabitatcreator · #6 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 01:10 AM

How much does Leca cost per bag?

islandvivs · #7 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 04:47 AM

small bag should be under $10 bux.....i bought a huge bag for $39.99 from Rona....I checked home depot has it too, well atleast the one here does

JohnEDove · #8 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 09:29 AM

The only problem with dirt on gravel, or even LECA, without a screen is that the dirt will eventually wash down through the gravel which will remove your drainage.

Futurehabitatcreator · #9 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 11:43 AM

Is leca the same thing as those expanding clay balls? Cuz I saw a bag of those at petco.

froggsong · #10 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 02:05 PM

Yes they are, and you should look at Home Depot or some other place, because they are going to be MUCH more expensive at petco. Plants are also MUCH more expensive at petco. Anything you CAN get somewhere else, you should, otherwise your are going to end up spending at least 25% more than you would have elsewhere.