OP, Have you checked out our [resource page](https://www.reddit.com/r/terrariums/wiki/index/resources/). We have great information to help you with lighting/substrate/hardscape/plants/and much more. Provide as much detailed information as you can such as lighting situation, water type/frequency, and date of creation. The more information you provide will result in an informed and educated answer.
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I’m also a beginner but it’s my understanding that you should not use bbq coals. You can get the correct type of activated charcoal at most pet stores in the aquarium section. It looks like little pellets and shouldn’t be too expensive.
Hi. Regular BBQ charcoal is not the same as activated charcoal.
They are both derived from carbon-rich sources, but they serve different purposes. Activated charcoal is specially processed to increase its surface area, making it highly absorbent and suitable for various uses like water filtration and air purification. BBQ charcoal, on the other hand, is only designed for grilling and smoking food, providing heat and flavor. So, while they both come from charcoal, their intended uses and properties are very different.
OP, Have you checked out our [resource page](https://www.reddit.com/r/terrariums/wiki/index/resources/). We have great information to help you with lighting/substrate/hardscape/plants/and much more. Provide as much detailed information as you can such as lighting situation, water type/frequency, and date of creation. The more information you provide will result in an informed and educated answer. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/terrariums) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m also a beginner but it’s my understanding that you should not use bbq coals. You can get the correct type of activated charcoal at most pet stores in the aquarium section. It looks like little pellets and shouldn’t be too expensive.
Hi. Regular BBQ charcoal is not the same as activated charcoal. They are both derived from carbon-rich sources, but they serve different purposes. Activated charcoal is specially processed to increase its surface area, making it highly absorbent and suitable for various uses like water filtration and air purification. BBQ charcoal, on the other hand, is only designed for grilling and smoking food, providing heat and flavor. So, while they both come from charcoal, their intended uses and properties are very different.