The bark is Fir tree bark, it says that it does not have any aromatic oils that are found in pine or cedar shavings. The blue stuff isn't a problem, I've been using it ever since I got him and its been fine. I use a heat lamp with a 25w bulb, thats the biggest size it can take. I have one of those tall tanks that have the 2 doors on the front that swing open open, its made by Exo Terra.