Here's a new how-to guide on making terrariums at the Michigan live website. The how-to focuses on creating sustainable ecosystems within terrariums to foster long-term plant growth. The article suggests using clay pellets as a purification filter for the system instead of charcoal as the pellets are supposed to last 3 years or more and charcoal can "wear out." I have never heard of these clay pellets- has anyone else had any experience with them?
Many terrarium tutorials suggest adding a layer of charcoal to keep odors at bay, but local experts say the charcoal only works for a couple of years. If you plan to maintain your terrarium for longer, substitute a layer of fired clay pellets. These are commonly used in place of dirt in hydroculture systems.
Making Terrariums at mlive.com
How interesting, well worth considering.
ReplyDeleteI would wonder the same thing myself. I would like to make a sustainable terrarium with no Sphagnum (peat moss) and no charcoal. I live in the pottery capital of North Carolina, we have a lot of red clay here, so fired clay pellets seems like something that I could get locally. Have you guys learned any more about this?
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI imagine clay pellets would make a fine base layer for a terrarium but I am not sure if they would be as effective at filtration as aquarium charcoal. Let us know how it goes!