Safe alternatives to coco-fiber?

[cyris69]

I was wanted to find out if there is an particular brands or types or alternatives to the petstore bought brick coconut bedding?

I have been doing research and came up with organic potting soils but no brands? I want something I can purchase from an big chain such as Lowes, Home Depot, Menards. I did see some mention Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Garden Soil - Scotts Miracle-Gro "Miracle-Gro® Organic Choice® Garden Soil" I can get a 40lb bag for only 4 bucks which is hella cheap. I know they may not hold moisture as well but all my tanks use a fogger/humidifier.

So what I'm trying to find is a cheap alternative to the petstore substrates.

[toxxxickitten]

I'm not trying to be mean, but IMO if you can't afford to keep your pets then you should have no business having them. However, if you want "cheap" then just go with paper towels...

[cyris69]

I can understand that but they a VERY well taken care of. Food is not an issues as they get roaches, crickets, worms, and all their supplements. I was just looking for a way to save some money on their substrate where I could since 4 tanks and hearing they need changed every 2-4 weeks can be very cumbersome on the wallet. So that was the purpose of this thread, and they are in no means not taken care of and in no risk of being so.

It's just out of curiosity since coco-fiber is not something they natively live in/on so they have had to been kept on other substrates that are safe and effective. I mean technically couldn't you have them on dirt that has been sterilized such as organic or pasteurized top soils? I bought some miracle grow sphagnum peat moss that is actually a finer consistency than cocofiber but didn't want to place them in anything that would hurt them. So could you at least give me some insight on suitable substrates since coco-fiber couldn't have always been the staple for frog husbandry.

[toxxxickitten]

I'm not sure where in Indiana you're located, but I just bought a three brick pack of Eco-Earth for $7.oo and those bricks make A LOT of substrate - I would imagine enough for 4 tanks....

[cyris69]

Yeah around here the 3-pack is about 11 bucks at the big chains and even mom/pop stores

[toxxxickitten]

Yeah around here the 3-pack is about 11 bucks at the big chains and even mom/pop stores

Not sure how close you are to Noblesville or Indianapolis...but I got the Eco-Earth 3 pack at the Indy reptile show today. There's a show every first Sunday of the month in Noblesville. I know the guy who runs that show.

[Deac77]

We sell the bricks at Petsmart for 6.99 I just bout the 3pack was cheap before my discount with it almost free lol

[pinkcloud]

i change my substrate every 5-8 weeks, i stir it up every week though

[Deac77]

From what I've heard you want to avoid moss but I've heard people using top soil personally I'm a worry wort and expect the worse so I try and stick with what I know can be passed and digested but I have heard of people keeping in topsoil as long as its organic you have to be careful though because some organic some with cow **** already mixed in lol

[Deac77]

Not sure I'd wait to hear from more experienced members

[cyris69]

I actually have a worms way maybe 25 minutes away from me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717

[flybyferns]

I actually have a worms way maybe 25 minutes away from me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717

There you go ! Maybe they have larger blocks?
I have always meant to call and ask as the don't show them on their site for that brand of coir.

They have another that has an additive.
So, careful to only purchase the pure one!

[Ra]

There you go ! Maybe they have larger blocks?
I have always meant to call and ask as the don't show them on their site for that brand of coir.

They have another that has an additive.
So, careful to only purchase the pure one!

I have read that many coco fiber products intended for horticulture have a high salt content, making them harmful to amphibians. I wish pet product companies would price their products a bit more fairly....

[flybyferns]

I have read that many coco fiber products intended for horticulture have a high salt content, making them harmful to amphibians. I wish pet product companies would price their products a bit more fairly....

Don't know about ...... what's in it?
I have not personally ever used it.
As mentioned, I would call first.
All of the hydroponic and horticulture products need questioning.
If they say they "don't know". I would not use it.

I do not have substrate in my tree frogs tanks.
I make my own "AGB" mix for my dart frog enclosures.

Here is how you make "ABG" Mix.
1 part milled peat- careful where you purchase this !!!!!
1 part milled sphagnum moss ( I chopped my own )
1 part fine charcoal( I actually used 2 parts charcoal )
2 parts fine tree fern fiber
2 parts fine orchid bark

Every component for AGB is available at good prices:
OFE International Web Page
or here
rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Care - Orchid Fertilizer

BUT... call 1st regarding the products/ packaging.....exposure to chemicals

If you have an opportunity to get to a show....you might be able to buy in bulk and get a much better price?
Lynn

[Ra]

Please pay attention to the products you may use. Cocotek contains rubber, it is not pure coco fiber. You want a high grade coco peat the contains low sodium levels.

I tend to be very economical when choosing products, and often look for alternatives to pet products as many pet substrates are simply repackaged for the trade and given a higher price. On the other hand, products repackaged for pets are generally safer, for instance the coco fiber wont contain salts, the reptile barks and frog mosses wont contain dyes etc.