Orchid bark vs coco coir

Tort1419

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I heard that orchid bark is bad and can grow mold so I'm not sure about getting it. What about coco coir the only thing I heard is that it is too messy for adults. Is it going to kill the tortoise if he ingests it. I want to know of any problems associated with either of these please. I've narrowed it down to orchid bark or coco coir. I have already talked to Tom and he likes orchid bark, but there are so many kinds, also coco coir the only thing he didn't like about it is that he said it was to messy for adults. Tom I don't know how to tag you but if you see this can you come explain this.
 

Tom

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Orchid bark does not grow mold. I've been using it for 30 years and never once has it molded. If there is leftover food or poop, mold or fungus can grow on that just like any other substrate, but it doesn't grow on the orchid bark.

Neither O bark nor coir will hurt the tortoise if small amounts are accidentally ingested.
 

G-stars

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I like and use both along with spaghnum moss for hatchlings. Yes the coco coir can be a little messy. It gets in the water and on them. But it holds humidity really well. I place the moss in the humid hides and around the dishes to prevent the coir from getting in.

I like the orchid bark for adults. Not so much for hatchlings.
 
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Tom

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I don't know what I'm doing differently than other people, but every tortoise I've ever had tries to eat sphagnum moss. I can't use it.
 

Tort1419

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When I put half a gallon of water in the substrate, how often do I need to do this and won't the substrate get very wet
 

Tom

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When I put half a gallon of water in the substrate, how often do I need to do this and won't the substrate get very wet

The o bark will absorb the water like a million little sponges. Over time it will evaporate out little by little and increase the humidity in the enclosure.

The half gallon was a suggestion. Every enclosure is different. You might need more or less depending upon how much substrate you use and how big the enclosure is. How much water you need to replace on a regular basis will depend on how fast it evaporates out of your enclosure in your house. Its different for everybody.

You want the substrate damp, not wet.
 

G-stars

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When I put half a gallon of water in the substrate, how often do I need to do this and won't the substrate get very wet

Only put as much as you need for your enclosure, to achieve the humidity that you want. I only pour water once every couple weeks.
 

G-stars

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I don't know what I'm doing differently than other people, but every tortoise I've ever had tries to eat sphagnum moss. I can't use it.

Some of mine will sample anything new. Moss and coco coir included. But only very small quantities. They quickly get over it.
 

Tort1419

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If I want to put a top on the enclosure what should it be made of, I want this top to keep the humidity in.
 

ZEROPILOT

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I have used plexiglass in the past with a simple hinge made of Duct tape. I propped it open at various levels until I found what worked for me.
I made a vent over the light fixture to keep the fixture cool because the light had to be located INSIDE.
It was an 18" "5.0" Reptiglow.
 

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bouaboua

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I mixed the two for my baby desert tortoise closed chamber. It is for over 9 months now. No mold. I soak him and always put him back after feeding time.
 

Tort1419

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Hey @Tom what do you think about my substrate for an adult Russian tortoise being white coco fiber. Anything wrong with that? It's really hard for my to decide weather or not I want orchid bark or white coco fiber. But I think I'm going to go with that. Also instead of using pots to grow my plants in can I use styrofoam cups. The Barry those deep in the enclosure so he can just see the plant and eat it?
 

leigti

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I have never heard of white Coco fiber but that doesn't mean anything. I would not use the Styrofoam, he might eat it. Just put it in pots. Or use those pots that you use when planting things, the ones that sort of decompose.
 

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I have never heard of white Coco fiber but that doesn't mean anything. I would not use the Styrofoam, he might eat it. Just put it in pots. Or use those pots that you use when planting things, the ones that sort of decompose.

I agree with all of the above.
 

Tort1419

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Ok what about using regular clay or stone or plastic something he can't eat flower pots @Tom
 

Tom

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Ok what about using regular clay or stone or plastic something he can't eat flower pots @Tom

That sounds great. I use a lot of terra cotta stuff, but for potting plants in this application glazed ceramic or plastic should work just fine. Tortoises can be very hard on their cage "furniture". You need tough stuff that can hold up to their abuse.
 

Tort1419

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Ok thanks @Tom but does it really matter if it is styrofoam, becuase I'm going to Barry the whole pot and only the plant will be showing
 
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