Logistics/tips for mixing substrate?

[Mamasmurf227]

Setting up a new tank for my daughters new hermies. (I used to have a 75 gallon bowfront set up about 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then!!)

I know the basics of mixing substrate (ie what to use, consitency, etc), but am looking for tips on how you all actually prepare the substrate for a new tank. (We're setting up a 29 gallon)

I'm thinking of using a large plastic storage tote to put the sand and EE in and then wet/mix to the right consistency and then scoop it into the tank.

Is there an easier way???? Just trying to figure out the logistics of this..... any tips?

[curlysister]

I have used a brick of EE, put it in a pail, and got it wet with dechlorinated water so it it fluffed up. Then I used a bigger pail with a handle, and measured scoops of the dampened EE and scoops of the play sand into the big pail. I used my hands to mix it together. Then carried the pail inside and upstairs and dumped it into the tank. I knew that if I tried mixing it indoors, I would make a big mess! LOL!

[Hermielover121]

Well when I set up my 70 gallon we tried to mix it in the tank and that was a BAD idea. Since the tank in 25” tall we could not mix it properly so now there is unmixed sand at the bottom. Definitely need to mix in a separate container. But I was wondering if it’s OK to be unmixed because I heard somewhere that it could create mold pockets and I’m kind of worried but we have some molters down so what should I do


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[wodesorel]

I've used 5 gallon buckets, and small cement mixing bins. The plastic cement bin works the best and was all of like $8. Used it for a few other projects as well!