Dirt as substrate?

[Guest]

I haven't done this, but would it be ok to use dirt (just regular yard dirt) or top soil or something as substrate? I have no idea what made me think of that. I haven't done that, so don't worry. My babies have plenty of playsand for their hermie comfort.

[Guest]

I think someone asked about that quite a while ago, and the consensus was no. I can't quite remember why. I know organic dirt came into the posts. Someone else will come along that either remembers better than me, or was one of the poeple who posted why not to do it. Sorry I couldn't help more!

[Guest]

Try searching for topics by Julia_Crab. I know she posted about organic soil. I wouldn't use regular potting soil, I think there are too many chemicals.

[Guest]

THe problem with most soil is that it has come into contact with many bacteria etc, and when placed in the small confined space of the crabitat, where we create almost ideal bacterial breeding climate, the chances of a bacterial explosion that is potentially dangerous are very high.

I have been, though, experimenting with small amounts of organic potting soil in pots with seeds or small plants growing. This seems to be a great way to introduce such things to the crabitat. Again though, most soil, being organic or not, has been outside and has thus had a greater opportunity to come into contact with potentially dangerous bacteria.

I personally am one that is willing to take a small risk, thus still putting some organic potting soil in the tank. I would not, however, use an entire bag of it as substrate. On the other hand, there is a soil that is steam sterilized available commercially, it may take some searching for though, mostly at plant burseres I would suspect, but it is out there.

[Guest]

I don't know. The crabs would go "What's this?" though!

[Guest]

Ya'll have made your point. I wasn't going to do that anyway. It was just an idea. Thanks for the heads up!!!