substrate question

[JTR]

i dont like the look of aspen very much so ive started using repti-bark and i like the way it looks much more, my question is does repti-bark grow bacteria faster than other substrates? I've heard a few rumors that says it does so i would just like to make sure.


thanks

[truthsdeceit]

In my experience it doesn't dry out as fast so yeah it does grow mold/fungus more easily. When you spill water on aspen it usually dries back out but the repti-bark soaks it up and grows stuff.

It's been a long time since I've used repti-bark and never for snakes, I used it back when I owned treefrogs and green anoles so maybe it was the nature of the animals not the substrate. But the stuff did tend to get moldy when wet.

If you like it better then just be sure to spot clean often and replace any that gets wet when you change water.

[MPenn]

When I only kept a few snakes, Repti-bark was my bedding of choice. Repti-bark is heat treated and inhibits mold growth, holds moisture well, and is aesthetically pleasing. Not to mention the rough surfaces that allow for easy shedding.
I never had any king of growth or fungus on mine when I used it.
Truthsdeceit, are you sure you were using Repti-bark and not some Home Depot type of bark? The type you can buy at these type of stores is not treated like the Repti-bark and therefore will allow fungus and mold growth.

[truthsdeceit]

I'm quite sure I was buying repti-bark from petsmart. I know it was treated to keep stuff from growing but I still had issues. Granted I was like 10 so maybe it was a keeper issue

Like I said it just seemed to grow stuff when it got overly wet.

[pillowtalk6188]

i've heard that you are supposed to stir moist substrate to inhibit mold. it aireates the sub.

when i used the stuff for the first time i had a problem with mold too. you don't have to keep the substrate sopping wet, just moist. just be sure to stir it daily and clean it every week.