Buying Substrate

[jor71]

I am planning on going to home depot to buy a bag of cypress mulch, as oppose to going to a reptile shop and paying an arm and a leg.

Do I need to be aware of anything before purchasing a bag of cypress mulch? Can I just buy any bag of cypress mulch?

also, should I mix the substrate like use both cypress mulch and eucalyptus mulch?


Thanks for your help!!

 

[JohnMatthew]

Just make sure it's plain cypress. I picked up a couple bags at home depot the other day.

 

[angelrose]

I have been getting huge bags of cypress mulch from home depot 1.97 for years. they may not have it now you have to stack up on it when it is out of season. it's the real thing.

 

[Beazer]

Like John said, make sure its nothing but cypress. A lot of companies toss in crap with the cypress that is unhealthy to your herp. If you can get pure cypress, get twice milled stuff and be sure to bake it in the oven. If theres no pure cypress there, you can get it online for sure at boas and balls. Just remember to bake it.

-Jon DeLong

 

[Nero]

Wow thats a great idea I wish I woulda thought of that screw the pet stores im shopping at home depot!!!!

 

[jor71]

Like John said, make sure its nothing but cypress. A lot of companies toss in crap with the cypress that is unhealthy to your herp. If you can get pure cypress, get twice milled stuff and be sure to bake it in the oven. If theres no pure cypress there, you can get it online for sure at boas and balls. Just remember to bake it.

-Jon DeLong

I was not aware that I would need to bake it. This may be a stupid question, but how high do I bake the mulch? also, for how long do I bake it?

Thank you all for the help.

 

[Nero]

Since I live in the desert it gets about 115 + in july and aug. Would it be okay just to put it in a bag and let it sit out all day? Im just not good with ovens i dont wanna burn down my place lol

 

[DaveDragon]

I've read you can leave the "completely sealed" bag in your driveway to kill any bugs in there. I don't remember how long, probably all day to heat the bag all the way through.

 

[angelrose]

Like John said, make sure its nothing but cypress. A lot of companies toss in crap with the cypress that is unhealthy to your herp. If you can get pure cypress, get twice milled stuff and be sure to bake it in the oven. If theres no pure cypress there, you can get it online for sure at boas and balls. Just remember to bake it.

-Jon DeLong

so does this mean you should bake ALL cypress :?: no matter where you get it.

 

[angelrose]

Since I live in the desert it gets about 115 + in july and aug. Would it be okay just to put it in a bag and let it sit out all day? Im just not good with ovens i dont wanna burn down my place lol

:yik how can anyone live there :?: when it hits 90 here I run for cover :!: I love man made air.

 

[Kharnifex]

i just bought 6 cu feet of cypress for about 61 bucks. (3 2cu,ft bags) welcome to california, the land of no cypress

 

[PuffDragon]

I have not had any luck with Home Depot or Lowes in my area selling cyprus. It's a drag.

 

[Gx3]

I just got mine from LLL Reptile. 48 quarts (comes in a big trash bag filled) for about 30 bucks shipped to CA.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/bedding/wood-chip-substrates/">http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/rep ... ubstrates/</a><!-- m -->

 

[Kharnifex]

how many quarts per cubic foot? did i get ripped off again?

ok, did the math. 48 quarts comes to 2772 cubic inches
1 cubic foot = 1 728 cubic inches
so it's a little smaller than a two cu ft. bag.

here's where i got mine:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-19998/2-CUFT%2C-Cypress-Mulch%2C/Detail">http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/t ... %2C/Detail</a><!-- m -->

 

[angelrose]

I have not had any luck with Home Depot or Lowes in my area selling cyprus. It's a drag.

lately me too ! they told me they were shipping it to the flooded areas. so where are you getting cypress now ?

 

[jor71]

how many quarts per cubic foot? did i get ripped off again?

1 cubic foot = 29.9220779 US quarts

6 (cubic feet) = 179.532468 US quarts


You did fine....

 

[DaveDragon]

I have not had any luck with Home Depot or Lowes in my area selling cyprus. It's a drag.

I get mine at Agway. There are a few of them in NJ.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=agway+new+jersey&btnG=Google+Search

 

[PuffDragon]

Thanks, Dave. There is one 13 miles away from me. I will have to check it out.

 

[DaveDragon]

Thanks, Dave. There is one 13 miles away from me. I will have to check it out.

Call them first. Even though it's the Agway brand cypress, not all stores stock it. You might have to shop around or have them order it for you.

 

[PuffDragon]

Will do, Thanks again.