Probably My Last Question About Setups - HUMIDITY QUESTION

[Moosefriend]

I'm using the cypress mulch from zoo-med, but I had baked it all (which took forever) to dry it out and kill any bugs that may be in it. Is there anything I could mix in it, to use less, so it'll be drier?

Edit: I know it's not recommended, but could I replace some with sand or small , finely chopped rocks (I don't consider it gravel, its a bit chunkier)?