Kitty Litter in substitute of Hydroton?

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WeedCali

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Dec 14, 2009
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So I've been thinking about the substrate for my paludarium and I Planned to have a 3-4" layer of Hydroton with some screen on top, then the soil mix. Since I already have the Kitty Litter (super cheap kind from Walmart), Could I use that to the same effect?

Thanks
 

Inka4040

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Mar 31, 2008
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Nope. Hydroton is suited for use as a drainage layer because it's light, and won't soften in the water. Cat litter has neither of those advantages. Gravel could work, but deff not the litter.
 

WeedCali

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Hmm. Ive had the Kitty Litter in my snail tank for many months and it seems great.

OilDri is cheap just like the litter though right?
 

Ozymandias

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while kitty litter makes a good subsate for planted tanks (assuming it the right type) you not looking for a substate youre looking for an area where water can drain so the soil doesn't stay overly wet. also the onlly reason people use Hydroton is because it's nice and light which gravel and i'm assuming OilDri (no clue on the price) but it should work well. also you should be able to pick up Hydroton pretty cheap at hydroponics shop which you should have quite a few around you.
 

garyfla

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A better substitue would be crushed lava rock. Get the kind that is crushed to about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Depending on how much water will be on top I'd reverse and put the soil UNDER it Costs about a sixth of hydroton.
Sound more like a riparium than a paludarium?? Going to have diggin fish ?? gary
 

WeedCali

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I have another question too. Instead of window screen for the barrier between drainage layer and soil, could I use some Quilt Batting? I have that stuff in surplus and dont really feel like buying a roll of screen Ill never use.
 
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