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Cholla Wood
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 6:34 pm
by Crabby Mom
I received two 12 inch pieces of Cholla wood I ordered from Naples Sea Shell Co. yesterday. I was so excited, I took them out, checked them over and placed them in the crabitat. A few hours later I was checking in and noticed quite a strong odor coming from the tank. I checked and it was the Cholla wood. They almost smell sweet. I didn't notice any odor when I first got them and was surprised as I've gotten smaller pieces and they never smelled. I took them out as I've read that hermit crabs are very sensitive to smells. I smelled them today and they have no odor, but I find if I mist them, the sweet smell returns. Has anyone ever experienced this before? Is it safe to put them in the tank? The Cholla wood is much lighter in color than the smaller pieces I have so maybe it's just a different kind? I don't think it's a dangerous odor, maybe like wet wood, but it seems to be quite strong...just wanted to make sure it's safe for my babies.
Thank you in advance!!
Re: Cholla Wood
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 6:56 pm
by soilentgringa
Cholla is fine. It is a type of cactus that has been dried out. I just rinse and put in the tank. It is safe.
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Re: Cholla Wood
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 7:10 pm
by Crabby Mom
So it's safe even with the odor? Thank you!!
Cholla Wood
Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 8:38 pm
by GotButterflies
Crabby Mom wrote:So it's safe even with the odor? Thank you!!
I would call Naples Sea Shell Company and see if it is treated with anything. The cholla that I have purchased off of eBay, and have received from my friends has never smelled.
Edit: possibly see where they source it from to see if their supplier treats it.
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Re: Cholla Wood
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:13 am
by aussieJJDude
If its sweet, i imagine there might be some residue 'glucose' thats dissolves into the water and gives it a sweet smell.. maybe try soaking it in water?
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Re: Cholla Wood
Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:11 pm
by wodesorel
NOOO! Never soak!
If it is fresher, it will still be sappy. Soaking it will rehydrate the sap and turn it into a slimy and soon to be moldy mess. Had that happen once and it ruined the piece!
It is a natural product and since it is cactus it will have a sweet "green" scent to it. I would also recommend checking with where you bought it just to make sure nothing has been added as the crabs will enjoy eating it!