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  1. #1
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    Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    I always had good luck in th epast with astro turf as a kid... now its time for my son and i'm setting up a new tank, my plan was repti-carpet lined bottom (to eliminate the glass feel on the bottom), with coco-husk on top.

    This one: T-Rex Coconut Bark Reptile Substrate at PETCO

    Question is..should I mix it with say the coco-fibre so its easier to clean up the messes?

  2. #2
    T. radix Ranch guidofatherof5's Avatar
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    Re: Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    Welcome to the forum from Iowa(T.radix heaven)
    I don't use any of those substrates. I'm sure other members will be able to help you.
    The forum care sheet goes into some detail about substrate, here's a link:Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets
    Looking forward to seeing your garter
    Once again, Welcome
    Steve
    5 awesome kids!
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    They are not just snakes. They're garter snakes.
    http://www.youtube.com/user/thamnophis14?feature=mhee

  3. #3
    Forum Moderator infernalis's Avatar
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    Re: Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    here is a nice mix I like, it's a blend of coconut fiber (Eco earth) and bark chips.
    Looks nice, holds humidity and is inexpensive.

  4. #4
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    Re: Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    That's what I use for Amy's enclosure, but more bark.^^^

    If your snakes make a mess of the enclosure quickly, this can get a bit expensive, but an inch of it in Amy's tank lasts about 6 months since she's small and is on pinks (less poop)
    Last edited by ConcinusMan; 07-06-2010 at 03:05 PM.

  5. #5
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    Re: Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    And no one has had any problems with mites/pests? What bark brand is that? The reason the T-rex coco husk caught my eye is because they state 'certified pest free'. Thanks!

  6. #6
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    Re: Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    Quote Originally Posted by njriderac View Post
    And no one has had any problems with mites/pests? What bark brand is that? The reason the T-rex coco husk caught my eye is because they state 'certified pest free'. Thanks!

    That's pretty much just a marketing thing. You can buy the same materials (fir bark pieces and coconut fiber) at a garden center and you usually won't find any bugs in that either.

  7. #7
    "Third shed, A Success" mtolypetsupply's Avatar
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    Re: Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    Quote Originally Posted by ConcinnusMan View Post
    That's pretty much just a marketing thing. You can buy the same materials (fir bark pieces and coconut fiber) at a garden center and you usually won't find any bugs in that either.
    I agree, but if you're wary of pests, just bake it in the oven.

    While you have the oven on....

    Gather up some leaves, and bake them. My babies LOOOOOOOVE to rustle around in them!!!!!

    If you harvest any sticks for climbing, throw them in the oven, too!

    Only advice on that is... don't do it while cooking dinner, or even a few hours before. Do it after everything is out of the oven for the night and leave the oven cracked open overnight if there is a residual odor.

    KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON IT TOO!!!!! If anything starts smoking, Turn off the oven IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

    I set the oven at 220. Water boils at 212, and if boiling water kills the ickies, then baking at 220 should do it too! Never had a problem.



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  8. #8
    "Second shed, A Success" Hollis_Steed's Avatar
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    Re: Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    Quote Originally Posted by mtolypetsupply View Post
    I agree, but if you're wary of pests, just bake it in the oven.

    While you have the oven on....

    Gather up some leaves, and bake them. My babies LOOOOOOOVE to rustle around in them!!!!!

    If you harvest any sticks for climbing, throw them in the oven, too!

    Only advice on that is... don't do it while cooking dinner, or even a few hours before. Do it after everything is out of the oven for the night and leave the oven cracked open overnight if there is a residual odor.

    KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON IT TOO!!!!! If anything starts smoking, Turn off the oven IMMEDIATELY!!!!!

    I set the oven at 220. Water boils at 212, and if boiling water kills the ickies, then baking at 220 should do it too! Never had a problem.


    Good information, thanks!
    Jeff

  9. #9
    Forum Moderator infernalis's Avatar
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    Re: Substrate - coco husk - should i mix it?

    I use Zoo med repti bark.

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