Ok to use this substrate?!?

[jackmac]

Hey there,
I was shopping at my local home depot and ran into this.

Was wondering if this can be used as a potential substrate. I know S.Peat moss is pretty popular just not sure when I saw that it includes "Miracle Grow" (wonder if that is some kind of chemical or addititve that can be harmful)
Thanks
Jack

 

[tortoiseboy8o8]

I've seen this before. I was also looking at it but the "enriched with miricle grow" made me not get it. I'm not 100% sure but I think thats some form of fertilizer. I found peat moss at Lowe's for under $15 for a huge bale. Premier makes it, organic. Try to look for that instead.

 

[HipsterTorts]

It has fertilizer in it. So it should not be used as a substrate.
I also use the organic peat moss that Lowe's sells. It's super cheap and you get a ton.

 

[jackmac]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the reply. Are we talking about this kind of peat moss?

Jack

 

[jaizei]

Something like this is better and will last a lot longer.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

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eta: I don't use peat alone as a substrate, I like to mix it with coir, topsoil, cypress mulch, etc.

 

[HipsterTorts]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the reply. Are we talking about this kind of peat moss?

Jack

No, that has perlite in it. I'd be worried that a tortoise would try and eat the perlite.

Something like this is better and will last a lot longer.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

---

eta: I don't use peat alone as a substrate, I like to mix it with coir, topsoil, cypress mulch, etc.

---

Yes! That's exactly what I am talking about.

I like to use it because my torts drag their food onto the dirt. I had eco earth, but this is easier for them to digest so I don't have to worry about impaction.

 

[jackmac]

Something like this is better and will last a lot longer.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

---

eta: I don't use peat alone as a substrate, I like to mix it with coir, topsoil, cypress mulch, etc.

---

Don't think it is available on the west coast, tried calling few stores earlier. But thanks for the tip.
Jack

 

[HipsterTorts]

Something like this is better and will last a lot longer.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

---

eta: I don't use peat alone as a substrate, I like to mix it with coir, topsoil, cypress mulch, etc.

---

Don't think it is available on the west coast, tried calling few stores earlier. But thanks for the tip.
Jack

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It is I live in California and bought it at lowes.
If you don't have a lowes near you then tortoisesupply.com sells it. The only difference is it's about $6 more plus the shipping cost.
And I just checked the lowes web site, you can order it there too.

 

[jackmac]

Something like this is better and will last a lot longer.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

---

eta: I don't use peat alone as a substrate, I like to mix it with coir, topsoil, cypress mulch, etc.

---

Don't think it is available on the west coast, tried calling few stores earlier. But thanks for the tip.
Jack

---

It is I live in California and bought it at lowes.
If you don't have a lowes near you then tortoisesupply.com sells it. The only difference is it's about $6 more plus the shipping cost.
And I just checked the lowes web site, you can order it there too.

---

Sarah,
Thanks a lot, will check out lowes when I get a chance. Appreciate the help.
Jack

 

[lynnedit]

I think some mix (spaghnum) peat moss, which is ground up, with organic topsoil (no vermiculite or perlite for them to EAT), it helps hold moisture. Others also use the long fibered spaghnum moss in hides or around water dishes.
Both are good to use if you can find a additive free source.