Can I use this as substrate?

[ejh805]

Saw this today at a home improvement store. 100% organic, no additives, ground up like soil.
Could I use this as a substrate with my frogs? The only places around here that sell coco bricks are very overpriced and my only other option is ordering online, which can be expensive with the added shipping cost because of the weight.

Thanks
Emily

[Pluke]

Ehhh, I dunno it's hard to tell since there is no picture. If it's anything like normal sphagnum moss I'd advise against it. I bought a baby frog that died a couple days later because it ingested sphagnum moss that it was kept on.. I wouldn't even risk it with something like a pyxie/pacman frog who has a chance of ingesting it accidentally.

[ejh805]

Yeah, my pixie eats his/her substrate all the time :/

It looks like this-

[Pluke]

Eating a little bit of coco fiber hasn't hurt my frogs, Sphagnum moss is a different story. I'd just bite the bullet and order some brick eco earth. 3 pack. It's really the best option IMO.

[ejh805]

It isn't regular sphagnum moss. It isn't in strands. It's ground up and looks/feels like the coco stuff.

[Pluke]

Up to you I guess, I didn't see that picture before. It doesn't look that bad, you're right it does look a lot like Coco Fiber. I'd say trust your gut and if you think it's good, try it. If you have any doubts, then don't.

[Hoppity100]

Just curious,...is there a label that tells exactly what its made of? I use eco earth fiber substrate, not husk kind. Mine are fine with it. I am still looking for live moss but want to find out which kinds are safe. I do see your point about price. My eco bricks came 2 to a package for $7. I think they sell it in a large bag but it might be the type that is way too chunky and hard for frogs feet. But, I'd check the label on what you found. I wonder if Lowe's sells anything similar to what you bought?

[Hoppity100]

Thought you said it was sphagnum moss...?

[Hoppity100]

Emily, you did say home improvement store but since I don't know your location, I had no way of knowing which store. I'd re-think this stuff, check label first. If you must buy it, please check for dye by soaking it in hot water first. You can let it dry by air or in microwave. I put mine in damp, it dries eventually, and my frogs like part of their land to be dry.

[GrifTheGreat]

I never trust anything that is processed where other gardening and potting soils that contain chemical fertilizers are made. Guaranteed that is made in the Sam place on the same machinery. Cross contamination is a possibility.

Also just because it looks similar doesn't make them the same.

If it were me I wouldn't use it.