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Yeah well i was wondering if there is such thing as To Much perlite? i bought some soil (Scotts Potting Soil) and it had some perlite already in it. but still i added about 50% soil and 40% perlite into a 5gal and mixed. now i added them to the cupz and when i water them and let the water go all the way down to the drain holes and lets the cups rest. i come back and the top of the soil is nothing but perlite? now im not sure but can that stop teh seedlings from geting effeciant water?
Perlite does tend to rise in the soil, especially when you water heavily.
It depends how thick the layer of perlite on top is, and how your root development is going.
But generally a layer of perlite on the soil is a GOOD thing.
It reflects light, discourages bugs and mold, and keeps dirt from splashing when you water.
When I am growing my seedlings I water them by standing them in a tray and pouring water into the tray. It disturbs the soil and roots less, and I bet it would keep the perlite more in the same place instead of stratifying.
Really a good mix with perlite is required for a healthy grow. The soil should drain quickly. Yes it will raise to the surface when you heavy water very good point stinky but you can put some construction grade sand on top and then that is not a problem. Plus you will never have alga growing on your soil if you use a layer of sand on the top.
Even up to 50/50 mix is fine but you would water a lot but most use 60/40 but you should use more then 80/20 that would be a little hard and hold to much water.