Bark mulch, whats the big deal?

Jul 12, 2004

• #1

8 leg wonder

Arachnoangel

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I know everyone has a problem with bark mulch, but don't arboreal Ts live in trees. Last time I checked trees were covered with bark.

 

Jul 12, 2004

• #2

M

manville

Arachnoking

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Jul 20, 2003

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Thats why they die faster in the wild vs CB.

 

Jul 12, 2004

• #3

Buspirone

Arachnoprince

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The main problem revolves around the terpenoids that may be present depending on the type of wood(fir and cedar come to mind). Its less of a problem with aged and well composted wood/bark chips. Terpenoids are harmful to invertebrates and can effect them in a variety of ways. Some people experience zero problems and others are just cautious and avoid it as a rule of thumb. The other issues just revolve around the normal substrate qualms... Too rough, too hard, harbors pests, grows molds and fungi.

 

Jul 12, 2004

• #4

8 leg wonder

Arachnoangel

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I've herd somewhere that fir doesn't have the harmful terpenoids that cedar or pine has

 

Jul 12, 2004

• #5

Pheonixx

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i use bark mulchin my Avic.Avic setup. I also have quite a bit of regular topsoil on it so it's kinda mixed the ventilation from the bark mulch below and the air above has mad for no mold in 3 mos...

 

Jul 12, 2004

• #6

Buspirone

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I may be incorrect but it was my understanding that all conifer woods contain terpenoids.

 

Jul 12, 2004

• #7

8 leg wonder

Arachnoangel

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I'll have to look into that