Bark Choices?

[JohnEDove]

I've noticed that everyone uses Cork Bark in their enclosures.
Is there a specific reason for this choice? (Properties, Look, Lack of Toxicity etc)
Would/could other bark types, such as Cottonwood Bark, work?

[JohnEDove]

As Smaug seems to be the plant person here perhaps he could address this question. Needing to know soon.

[Green Ghost]

I don't have cork bark in my viv but I always assumed people used it just because it was practical.

It covers the back of the tank and doesn't look artificial. It's a good planting medium. It's non toxic and relatively easy to work with. It also helps retain moisture helping the humidity in the tank.

If there's another good reason maybe someone can chime in here also....

[JohnEDove]

Thank You.
Then I would guess that the only advantage of Cork over Cottonwood would be the planting medium factor. I know of no abnormal toxins in Cottonwood bark and I can get pieces large enough, when soaked & flattened that can span more than 60 inches. That said I guess it is a somewhat hard bark that might not lend itself well to plants growing into it.

[Green Ghost]

Yeah to be honest with you I've never used cottonwood so I'm not really the best person to help with that. I'd assume that if it's natural and not toxic then it's worth a try?

[JohnEDove]

LOL, That is what I am thinking also. Sadly most of the time ideas such as this don't work out for me but what the heck all I will lose it time.

[Waterkeeper]

There is no toxicity to cotton wood as far as I have researched. I don't see any problem with trying it out.
people use cork bark because it's cheap, light, porous easy to work with, readily available and cheap.
oh and it's cheap.

[JohnEDove]

Originally Posted by Waterkeeper

There is no toxicity to cotton wood as far as I have researched. I don't see any problem with trying it out.
people use cork bark because it's cheap, light, porous easy to work with, readily available and cheap.
oh and it's cheap.

Thank you much.
Cheap is why I thought of Cottonwood bark. There are dead Cottonwoods all over this area with huge chunks of bark just laying around.
All I need to do is pick them up and boil them, to sterilize, then lay them out to dry weighted down so they'll be flat.

Still waiting to see more pic up-dates on your "Build Log" btw.

[Waterkeeper]

Still waiting to see more pic up-dates on your "Build Log" btw.

LOL... Your not the only one. i've had some heavy work this month, and heavy bills, but i promise some updates soon....