Damn that sounds interesting...If you want good drainage and air-flow fore the soil and roots. I'd suggest getting 4-5 earthworms fore etch pot. I know it might sound a bit weird, but think about it!
They poop plant-food, eat the stuff you don't want, improve soil texture and drainage and moves air in to the soil.. (and they don't eat living roots)
AND
Is easier to get in your soil than perlite..