I make up my own gritty mix as well - coarse grit that I buy from a builder´s merchant, with some crushed limestone, a bit of top soil and a little organic nutrition, wormcasts and kelp meal. But there are as many favourite mixes as there are growers.

Yeah I would not use bark in your mix.

I make up two different mixes, one has both wood and activated charcoal which I swear by.

I'm a fan of activated charcoal as well.

What exactly are benefits of activated charcoal for plants?

Absorbs any impurities, helps aerate the substrate, helps with drainage. It has benefits similar to bio-char but without the water retention.

so for a starter whats, the best mix. could you please also give me the ratio of each ingredient. Btw i have seen a guy using bonsai jack gritty mix and his own mix with volcanic soil, putting it near the roots of the plant

Rina gave a good mix, and if you need substitutions, maybe people could help with that. It could depend on what you have available or can afford.

ooActivated charcoal is good for micro nutrients and carbon. When I use either activated charcoal and wood, I am impressed with the roots that go through and to it.

I grow mostly echeveria, just a few other succulents. I really like pumice and add it to a bulk cactus soil I get locally, about 1/2 and 1/2. I sometimes substitute volcanic rock small gravel for the pumice if I am out of pumice. The exact mix depends on where you are, more pumice if you are in a humid climate, less in a dry climate. Also depends on what you have access to. Your mix is not gritty enough if, when wet, it forms a ball when you squeeze it in your palm. It's good if it falls apart in a million pieces when you open your fist after squeazing. That's my two:-)

I like the addition of charcoal and a tiny bit of Azomite, but only do this for super special echeveria.

Activated charcoal is found many places, but my source is at a nursery's orchid stuff.

Wood I have found at Petco as reptile bedding. Get the small stuff.

I know about activated charcoal/where to buy it, even have large jar leftover from my son. Just never found enough reliable info to be eager to use it in a mix for succulents. I was hoping to get some.