Why this warning?

[SojMad]

I'm looking at Polypeds price list, and I just noticed this:

WARNING: don't use any cocos-brickets as substrat! This can kill your snails if they eat the substrat (many species do this!)

Why are cocos-brickets dangerous? Isn't that the same as coir/coconut fiber? I've used that all the time with my snails, they eat it and are as healthy as always. Why this warning? Is "cocos-brickets" something else?

Regards,
Moa

[copigeon]

I also find this advise confusing.

Ive never known coir to cause issues (although not my favourite substrate would much rather sphagnum or a loam/peat mix) - one thing to be aware of is how you source it. Coir is frequently prepared in sea water, and can have a high sodium content if this is the case.

But I have never known coir to cause death through ingestion.

[latebloomer]

Thank you for the quick reply to this question I was panic stricken when I read it! I just got my first snails and am using bricks. One thing about them though is the smell when dry is irritating to me and I will need to use a mask when rehydrating it. For this reason I will not buy it again.

[coyote]

I'm glad coir isn't known to cause serious issues, since it's what I use for my snails.

[SojMad]

Thank you very much for your quick answer, copigeon.

[SojMad]

Sept 2, 2011 19:44:06 GMT coyote said:

I'm glad coir isn't known to cause serious issues, since it's what I use for my snails.

I also use coir, plus sphagnum moss, so I got pretty surprised to see that warning. The coir I'm using are sold for reptiles, frogs and such - I can't understand why it should kill snails (plus, I have never had any issues with it with my snails).
Is it maybe a certain brand that has caused some snails deaths or something like that?

[latebloomer]

I did notice on the instructions that it said to use a suitable sized feeding dish to avoid inadvertent ingestion of the substrate. It was the same brand that is sold as part of snail starter kits so it must be the right kind to use.

[foghog]

coco is a brand also....and they do make a coco coconut charcoal bricket. are you sure this is not what they are talking about in the warning?

[strangemouse]

I assumed he is referring to cocoa (chocolate) shell which is poisonous to snails (incidentally dogs and many other animals as well) rather than the coir bricks which are coconut fibre.

But I might be wrong.

[SojMad]

Sept 2, 2011 22:49:34 GMT strangemouse said:

I assumed he is referring to cocoa (chocolate) shell which is poisonous to snails (incidentally dogs and many other animals as well) rather than the coir bricks which are coconut fibre.

But I might be wrong.

Is cocoa shells sold in brickets and possible to use as a substrate? If it is, then "cocos" might just be a typing error that should be corrected.

[foghog]

that might be also strangermouse.

[crossless]

I was wondering why people here say you should not use peat? We in Finland use it and it's safe or is in other countries poor quality and with fertilizer?

[coyote]

Peat bogs are in danger of being depleted due to high demand by gardeners. I will not buy peat products anymore because of this.

I have never seen cocoa (as in chocolate) in any pet supply store, and I've never heard if it used as bedding (only as a mulch outside on the ground).