The classic: "Is this substrate save to use" thread

[Tes]

Hi all!

The new enclosure for our tortoise has arrived, and it's huge! Therefore, I need lots of substrate, preferably bark.
I'm located in the Netherlands, and I'm looking for cheaper alternatives that the Zoo Med Repti Bark. I came across this website: https://www.cellmax.eu/shop/cellmax-bio-soil-mix/
They claim the substrate is biological, and does not contain any pesticide of some sort. However, it does contain fermented peat plants and some other things.
What do you think? Is it save to use?

 

[Yvonne G]

I wouldn't use it. It contains fertilizers and other stuff not needed by tortoises.

They must grow orchids in your country. Call around to plant nurseries and ask if they sell or know where you can buy fir/orchid bark.

 

[Tes]

Thank you for your quick reply!
I've looked around for orchid bark, but most contain some type of fertilizer unfortunately. This is one of the few I could find that were at least called "biological".