Curious about discourse with topsoil.
To preface this, I’ve been using topsoil mixed into other things to make a Bioactive enclosures for my Redfoot for the past few years after previously using cypress mulch. The cypress I noticed did not hold enough moisture no matter how much I misted or I humidified. I gave him 15 minute soaks, but he was still super dry. When I switched to a blend I made for a Bioactive enclosure, I noticed it held humidity much better and he looked a lot less dry.
So I found myself quite surprised when I looked at places like Tortoise Forum and found them suggesting to use only cypress bark, orchid bark, or cocofiber (which I use all of these in my mix). Lots of people even went as far as to say any sort of mix with topsoil is dangerous. I understand if the sentiment is due to the possibility that there could be contaminates, but people have also warned of compaction and shell rot from the soil being too moist. Personally I’ve found with a proper drainage layer and a proper ratio’d mix the soil stays at an ideal moisture, but I a lot of these tortoise keepers have been keeping longer than me.
This Reddit I know seems a lot more open to the idea of topsoil and Bioactive mixes. I don’t think topsoil should ever be on its own. So I’m curious about what you all think? Any mulch only people for their indoor enclosures? If so why? Also same from those who use soil mixes and Bioactives. I’d just like to see the different sides on this! :) (tortoise tax photo included, this is Lemmy!)