A few random Q's

[lily1]

Why do you never use cedar?

 

[secuono]

The oils in it are dangerous and cause upper respiratory issues. Actually, I've kept Guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters. I only used the Kaytee paper bedding, since all wood shavings create a lot of dust which is also harmful. But it's too expensive, I think once the pine is used up, I'll switch back to Kaytee for nests...

 

[lily1]

Thanks

 

[bantyshanty]

I just wanted to add a comment about two different types of sand & how they might work better or worse depending on your climate.

Contractor's sand still has some clay in the sand mixture, so it works well for landscapers to fill between rocks & pavers for pathways. It holds shape better.

Play sand has been washed & strained more times, so the clay has been gotten out & the particles are finer.

Play sand will drain better if your in a wetter environment --like I am, in the North East or the Pacific North West.
Contractor's sand will work better to not blow away in the wind if you're in a dry & windy environment, like the South West.

Poops scoop from the play sand better, because you're not taking clumped clay along with it.
Play sand smells better after rain.

I've had to redo my entire run with play sand, because the contractor's sand would get a funky anaerobic bacterial layer after two days of rain.
It stinks (like a lake shore when you dig) and I've had two chickens get sick from it. The run gets minimal sun to dry it out & is in a valley.

Play sand may do this too, I haven't gotten to test it yet. Doubt it, though.

 

[secuono]

I agree play sand is better. It shouldn't smell when wet, unless it's moist and dirtied up for awhile. It has no odor in my Aquariums, so if kept clean, it should be fine.

 

[tash]

Quote:
wow, you really find sand easier in an aquarium? I have it in my current 75 gal and I find it much more difficult to clean then gravel ever was. Gravel doesn't get sucked out like the sand does. Sometimes I feel like I get more sand then mulm. With gravel I could get down into it and not worry about the gravel getting sucked up. I could just keep going until the water getting sucked up was clear. It never goes clear with sand because it's sucking up the sand (and I don't even want to think about what that might do to my pipes). Anyway I think I prefer gravel for cleaning. But my fish like to dig in the sand.