Aquatic Plant Media question

[Steverd]

I have some Pings planted in API Aquatic Plant Media.
Does this media wick water UP to the plant or do I still need to top water?
I tried to feel the top layer BUT can't tell if it's wet or my imagination!

Here's one of the plants:


ANY other advice in using this media for Pings?

Thank you so much!
Steve

 

[Acro]

Place a piece of paper on the media. It will let you know if it's wet or not.

 

[Steverd]

Place a piece of paper on the media. It will let you know if it's wet or not.

That was a brilliant suggestion!
Here is the plant WITH PAPER after 24 hours!



I was thinking it would be 100% wet, but I think this proves water is wicking up to the Ping OK!
Thoughts?

Thank you
Steve

 

[Acro]

High Five!

 

[Zath]

It may depend on the height of the pots, but in 4" tall pots, the substrate (I use the same brand) seems to wick water well enough to keep the pings happy, even if the top layer looks dry.

I do however, top water the pot thoroughly before I plant the pings, in order to wash the dust and particulate from the APS and settle the smaller pieces so that they all have contact with each other, which should help with wicking.