Coconut Coir without soil - humidity question

[tofuqueen]

I decided to use just coconut coir for my Russian Tortoise after reading many of the threads on this forum. I previously used about 80% coco coir and 20% sterilized sandbox sand. I've noticed that the straight coco coir stays wetter longer. Is that normal? I used to have to add water every day, but now I just mix it up every day and only add water maybe every 3rd day. I want to make sure that it's not too damp/moist for him. On a related note, any suggestions for a specific gauge to measure moisture? Most of the ones that I'm seeing online have wires and I'm worried he'll get caught up in the wire, or bite it. Thanks folks!

 

[Blackdog1714]

Just use straight coco coir and NO Sand- Sand has impaction dangers if eaten. You could always use 3" of coco coir and top with an 1" of Fir Bark (available bulk at garden centers on west coast/East Coast it is ReptiBark). The Fir Bark is by far superior for look, mess, and moisture retention. If you can find the bulk fir bark than I am very envious.

 

[tofuqueen]

Right... in my first sentence I said I was moving to just coco coir and had previously used the sand. So I'm all set with that piece. Just wondering if I need to make adjustments to make sure it's not too moist. I'll look around for fir bark. Thanks so much for your post!