Are HydroBalls the same as LECA?

But yes LECA and Hydroballs are exactly the same thing.

What do Zoo Med HydroBalls do?

Zoo Med Hydroballs are lightweight clay balls that can be used as a base layer beneath coconut fiber substrate or another substrate to create an underground water table. When you add water to your Zoo Med hydroponic clay balls, the humidity goes up in your terrarium.

What are HydroBalls made from?

HydroBalls are made of expanded clay for a terrarium substrate. Can be used underneath other substrates to create an underground water table. Add water to create a natural aquifer and increase humidity levels.

Can you use Zoo Med HydroBalls for plants?

Excellent substrate for live plant root growth in Naturalistic Terrariums. Use for filtration for a waterfall.”

What is LECA good for?

“The LECA materials allow it to absorb water directly to the roots without suffocating them.” The baked clay balls soak up water and expand. The clay balls prevent the plants from completely drying out but still provide proper drainage, which means less watering—perfect for those who forget to water or are on vacation.

What can I use as a substrate barrier?

Substrate Barriers

• Draining Mesh is the most popular material used in the hobby.
• Peat Moss can also be used to separate substrate layers with the added benefit of lower water PH/hardness.
• Cotton Foam like the kind used in aquarium filters can also be used as a suitable substrate divider.

Can I mix LECA in soil?

But you can also use them to improve the drainage of your soil mix. By adding Leca to your soil, you create pockets of air inside of your soil. These pockets of air help your soil to get more oxygen to your plant’s roots. Soil would retain a lot more of that moisture, so Leca helps your soil to stay light and dry.

How do you drain a false bottom?

1) Install a bulkhead and drain under the false bottom. It will either drain directly into a bucket, or you use a valve and open it every couple weeks or so, to drain into a bucket. 2) Leave a small pond in one corner, that flows freely through to the false bottom. You can empty that with a siphon or turkey baster.

How much is a false bottom?

How deep should a terrarium false bottom be? The depths of your false bottom will depend on the size of your terrarium, but for most people, 0.5 to 1.5 in will probably be sufficient. If your terrarium is on the larger end, you’re going to want to make your false bottom a little bit deeper.

Why do you have to soak LECA?

You always want to use LECA that’s been soaked and wet, never dry. It’s because LECA wicks water very effectively. If you have roots come into contact with very dry LECA, it will wick water away from the roots and can cause the roots to desiccate. Always make sure they are well soaked before use.