Drainage layer

[kelii]

What's a good alternative to rocks for a drainage layer? I'm hoping to find something lighter. I found some rubber playground mulch. Would that work?

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

I used lava stones - they're lighter than standard rocks.

There is a fair bit of debate on what compounds and in what quantity leach out from rubber mulches. You can read some here: http://grist.org/living/ask-umbra-is-rubber-mulch-really-eco-friendly/ The growing consensus is that they're not great for the environment.

I would not recommend using rubber mulch in a tortoise enclosure (especially not indoors where you're enclosing the leachate in with a tortoise).

 

[Tom]

Where and why do you need a drainage layer? I've never done this.

I would not use rubber due to the impaction risk.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Is it for a layer to absorb water from the top layer?
I use orchid bark under my top substrate to absorb the water, moisture in my indoor pens.
Regular mulch outside.
(And it's pretty wet here.)

 

[kelii]

I

Where and why do you need a drainage layer? I've never done this.

I would not use rubber due to the impaction risk.

I'm setting up my new enclosure with bio-active substrate. I did that for my current one, but forgot drainage, and I think it's killing the plants.

 

[kelii]

I figured something would be wrong with the rubber mulch. That's why I wanted to make sure.

 

[kelii]

Is it for a layer to absorb water from the top layer?
I use orchid bark under my top substrate to absorb the water, moisture in my indoor pens.
Regular mulch outside.
(And it's pretty wet here.)

Bark sounds like a good light option. It doesn't rot?