Zoomed Eco Earth smells smoky, like BBQ...

[i_love_necturus]

I've used Zoomed Eco Earth coconut fiber blocks for a long time for a number of things. I recently bought a block and today I was soaking it in water to rehydrate it and I noticed a smoky smell, the wet coco fiber smelled like a smokehouse, or a BBQ or something along those lines. I've never noticed a smell before, besides the usual earthy smell.

Anyone experience anything like this? Would it be safe to use (for insect enclosures in this case), I figure anything safe for amphibians would be safe in any type of enclosure. Like I said, I've never had this smell before.

Thanks

 

[SludgeMunkey]

When in doubt, leave it out. If it were me, I would go get a return/exchange for the product.

Most of the coir fiber used in the pet industry is actually recycled industrial waste. Seriously! The primary source of the stuff is the leftovers from furniture factories. It sounds to me like someone had a fire at their factory, or perhaps one in the dust collection system.

 

[taherman]

I've used many many blocks like that and never had any issues.

 

[Jennewt]

I always assumed that coir was a byproduct of the food industry (i.e., coconut products). What does a furniture factory do with coconut shells? In any case, I'm sure it is an industrially-produced product (i.e., processed by machines).

I've had batches of Eco-Earth that have had a faint chemical-like odor, almost like a faint smell of formaldehyde. I usually let it absorb water, crumble it, and let it sit around for a while before I use it, and the smell goes away. I've never had a problem

I think you have to use your best judgement about how the product smells. If it's really "off" don't use it.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

The major use for coir is rope with stuffing furniture being a close second. The stringy fibers are bonded into thick mats for everything from car seats to bedroom mattresses. Additionally it is often used for floor matting, carpet backing and brushes.

The leftovers and trimmings from the various manufacturing processes are ground up for composting, mulch, and pet bedding.

Truly, if you drive a VW or BMW, Saab, or other major European car, odds are you are riding in style on coconut fiber.


In addition, here as an interesting read that has excellent implications for the vivaria hobby:
http://www.agrococo.com/Pathogen_Suppression.pdf

 

[tonymontanaflows]

Interesting. I too thought it was some agriculture by product, especially after finding a small handful of hemp seeds in more than one brick I've used!!

Surely anything could have happened between production to store shelf. As everyone else suggested it you think its off don't use it and fork over another $4 for a new brick. You could test it out with feeders like crickets and worms and see it they have some adverse affects before you use it in your pets habitat

 

[Jennewt]

In addition, here as an interesting read that has excellent implications for the vivaria hobby:
http://www.agrococo.com/Pathogen_Suppression.pdf

Interesting - coir comes precolonized with flora and fauna. It's hard to say what the implications of this are for amphibians, but I would expect it's likely to be beneficial.