mulch substrates

[skunk]

hey guys, i have a question for u all.

i have decided to use mulch in my baby lacy tank & have bought some tea tree mulch as i was told that it is ok to use. however i find the fumes very strong & im now not sure if its good ? i have asked at the store if it contained fertilisers etc & was told "no".

any thoughts regarding this kind of mulch ?

also, what other type can i use as a subsitute ? (one that doesnt stink so bad.. lol) & where am i able to buy it?

thanks alot !

 

[junglemad]

newspaper. from the newsagent

 

[swampie]

I think tea tree can be toxic to some herps ,i'm not sure of this though so dont quote me on this ,maybe some one else on this site might know a bit more about it.

 

[redline]

Newspaper is the best dude.

 

[JandC_Reptiles]

If you want a better loking substrate than paper than go with sand it has alot more benefits than other substrates & can be purchased in several colours. It is non toxic (bake it before use to kill any nasties) & compact so mites & live food cant hide beneath it. It also dosn't smell & is easy to spot clean.

 

[rumpig]

in my out door inclosuers i use wood chips from the local tree lopper and i have had no problems with it just make sure it has been sitting for a month or two to break down a bit this way its no different than whats on the ground in the bush.

 

[Reptilegirl]

hey skunk
from what i've been reading tea tree as an oil is NO good.. not sure about it in mulch form but i'd say no again...

http://www.exoticbird.com/gillian/teatree.html

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=17&cat=1913&articleid=1611

http://animal.discovery.com/guides/reptiles/firstaid/householdhazards_04.html

Megz

 

[skunk]

thanks alot for the replys guys,

thanks megs ! that really has cleard up the mulch situation...even if it maybe ok to use, i tihnk i will not. the fumes are just too strong!

 

[peterjohnson64]

Go the Eucy Mulch as Dr Kirschner said mate. He seems to know a bit about them.

 

[DC]

I use eucalyptus mulch in with my Laceys without any problems.

 

[Simon_Archibald]

As Peter and Daniel said you can use eucalyptus mulch, or my preference is Fine Grade Pine Bark (or landscaping grade) from the garden section at Bunnings...it's cheap, safe and has a nice (but not too strong) smell so that the smell of poo won't haunt the rest of your days.

Simon Archibald