Vermiculite/Perlite

[Tym Hollerup]

So going back to Jon3800's YouTube videos (I feel he has the best grasp of knowledge in the hobby offered through YouTube), he talks about "Vermiculite" and mixing a couple handfuls into your substrate for higher humidity species. Vermiculite (if you don't know) is the little while pellet things that you find in potted plants. Well I was at Wal-Mart and I found Perlite (same thing I assume) however, it had Miracle Grow in it. Obviously my T's don't need that! So I need to figure out what type of Vermiculite/Perlite I am going to be able too use in these enclosures. All my T's will get a pinch. Some more than others. Never more than 5-10% of overall substrate though. But I know these products are amazing for retaining moisture! But I seem to only locate products made with Miracle Grow or some other form of chemical. Do I need Organic? Can anyone provide a Product name, picture, or even bar code number of a product they use? I'm wanting to locate some by Tuesday. Getting new T's in on Thursday, and I want everything just perfect.

 

[-Sarah-]

In all honesty, I've been keeping tarantulas for 6 years and have used nothing but pure peat moss for all species, and haven't had a problem

I've purchased this brand before and haven't had any issues with it....
Pure peat moss @ Lowe's

If you're dead-set on getting pure vermiculite to mix in with your substrate, check with any local greenhouses or nurseries around you. Bigger chain stores like Lowe's and Home Depot may not actually carry *pure* vermiculite depending on their stock. However I located this on the Lowe's website:

Pure vermiculite

OR, try other places like regional chain/supply stores Southern States, Agway, Pennington Seed, etc.

Good luck with your new babies

 

[lazarus]

perlite and vermiculite are not the same thing!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perlite
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiculite

 

[flamesbane]

perlite and vermiculite are not the same thing!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perlite
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiculite

Too true, vermiculite looks like course sand not white pebbles. Vermiculite is used to retain moisture whereas perlite is used to increase drainage.

 

[grayhound]

perlite and vermiculite are not the same thing!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perlite
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermiculite

+1
Not even CLOSE to the same thing.

PERLITE is the little white pellets, and vermiculite is kinda a sandy soil....... not sure else how to describe it.

I use SMALL amounts of BOTH in my T enclosures..... Perilite if I want more airflow through the substrate to help it dry faster, and vermiculite to help HOLD in the moisture in the substrate. Here in the Midwest..... BomGaars sells organic of BOTH.... no chemicals whatsoever. I have also found organic of both at ACE Hardware.

 

[herphuggs]

+1
Not even CLOSE to the same thing.

PERLITE is the little white pellets, and vermiculite is kinda a sandy soil....... not sure else how to describe it.

I use SMALL amounts of BOTH in my T enclosures..... Perilite if I want more airflow through the substrate to help it dry faster, and vermiculite to help HOLD in the moisture in the substrate. Here in the Midwest..... BomGaars sells organic of BOTH.... no chemicals whatsoever. I have also found organic of both at ACE Hardware.

Ace is the only place near me for chemical free vermiculite and perlite

 

[grayhound]

Ace is the only place near me for chemical free vermiculite and perlite

ACE is the Place!!

 

[herphuggs]

+1
Not even CLOSE to the same thing.

PERLITE is the little white pellets, and vermiculite is kinda a sandy soil....... not sure else how to describe it.

I use SMALL amounts of BOTH in my T enclosures..... Perilite if I want more airflow through the substrate to help it dry faster, and vermiculite to help HOLD in the moisture in the substrate. Here in the Midwest..... BomGaars sells organic of BOTH.... no chemicals whatsoever. I have also found organic of both at ACE Hardware.

Ace is the only place near me for chemical free vermiculite and perlite

 

[Arachnoholic420]

I bought pure vermiculite at Walmart, a few years back!!! Im not sure if they still carry it in their garden section!!! I haven't used vermiculite in a long time!!!!but if it is that hard for u to acquire... Peat or coco fiber should be a good enough substrate to retain moisture!!! Just mist or soak the substrate when it completely dries out!!! IMO not needed!


Peace!!!