Peat Moss vs. Topsoil

[Anovick5]

Any advantage for using topsoil vs. peat moss? I know I read on one thread that someone does a 75% peat moss/25% soil mix for bigger torts. Soil is a bit cheaper, so is there any reason not to do 100% soil?

Info on the tortoise:

• Sulcata
• ~11 inches
• Lives on a screened in patio in S Florida.
• Gets some direct sunlight, and some sunlight filtered through patio screening
• Diet of Timothy hay, orchard hay, romaine (not the majority of its diet), and whatever it finds wandering through the backyard.
• The humidity it lives in is whatever the humidity for south Florida is on a given day.

 

[Jodie]

It is messy is the only thing i can think of. I use 100% coco coir for littleones and top with coco husk for bigger ones to cut down on the mess. Moss helps retain moisture too.

 

[wellington]

I don't have a larger Sulcata, I have leopards and a russian. However, I don't like moss, it molds. I would use coconut coir or dirt or if he can get out onto the lawn when he wants, I would give him a corner on the porch with some coir and let the rest be whatever kind of flooring is down, unless it is slippery.