Hello,
I was wondering if Redwood Mulch(aka gorilla hair), purchased from a nursery, is safe to use as a substrate for GTPs?
Thank you! - Bellarby
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Is Redwood Mulch a safe substrate for GTPs?
bellarby
Apr 05, 2004 07:03 PM
Replies (4)
Brandon Osborne
Apr 05, 2004 07:59 PM
Most hardwood mulches are safe to use. Just be sure not to use anything aromatic or anything with dies. Cypress mulch seems to be the cheapest and best to use.
Brandon Osborne
jungledancer
Apr 05, 2004 09:00 PM
I was researching different bedding for my gtps awhile ago and was pretty disappointed that I've been unable to find cyprus mulch out here on the west coast. One substitute I looked into was the redwood.... and I'm guessing that if they made the mulch out of redwood it would be safe, but check out this link I found awhile ago.
http://www.yvw.com.au/corporate/savingwater/mulch/redwood02.html
Making it out of PINE and dying it red!!! I was wondering about the source for all the redwood mulch since the redwood trees are generally growing in protected forest area out here. I've been using coco husk bedding for safety and relatively natural appearance.... sure wish I could get cyprus mulch here though.
bellarby
Apr 06, 2004 06:45 PM
Thank you both for the replies, I appreciate your advice. I was a little worried about the redwood mulch because it had a strong odor when left in my car overnight.
I have chosen not to use the redwood mulch as I now believe it would be considered 'aromatic'.
Originally I planned on using cypress mulch, but they don't sell it at the nurseries in Northern CA and I think the Zoo Med stuff is way overpriced. I am going to try the Aspen bedding, as I have read that it is safe to use and can pick up a big bag at the local pet store for a reasonable price.
- Bellarby
Brandon Osborne
Apr 07, 2004 12:02 AM
don't do it. Aspen is used more for absorbing moisture. In a high humidity environment, it will mold and that's not good for the chondro. Where I live, cypress mulch is everywhere and it's usually $2-3 per bag.......around 3-4 cubic feet. Probably the same size as the bag of redwood mulch you have. I would look around a little more and see if you can't order some from Home Depot or Lowe's. You might check a landscaping company also.
Brandon Osborne
