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floor substrate

Posted: Fri May 06, 2016 9:07 pm
by Dutchlindsay
I am thinking of using deco(mposed granite) on the floor. Would anyone know if this is the same as crusher dust, I see that a lot in garden centers around Brisbane but it looks a bit small. Cheers =D>

Re: floor substrate

Posted: Fri May 20, 2016 4:26 pm
by Sojourner
Indoor or outdoor?

Its not the same as decomposed granite. It is very fine and often somewhat dusty. It is usually used for roadbeds and pathways because it is fine, packs well, doesn't therefore roll underfoot and I believe the dust contributes to its stability by helping it to pack down and stick together. Paths will tend to shed about as much water as percolates through.

I'm not sure those are necessarily the qualities you want in an aviary, but I'm not sure they're not, either. I would worry about how to get it clean as it may tend to runnel some if you point a hose with any pressure behind it at it, where the larger chunks of decomposed granite are more likely to stay in place. I would worry about raking it (crusher dust) as that may lead to dry bird poop dust in the air.

I'm not sure decomposed granite wouldn't also have some problems keeping it clean as well. The pieces (here in the US) seem a bit large to me to be easy to clean in an aviary - but maybe it comes in a smaller grade.

Re: floor substrate

Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 5:31 am
by Dutchlindsay
[quote="Sojourner"]Indoor or outdoor?

Outdoor but with fully covered roof,
Thanks for reply Sojourner

Re: floor substrate

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2016 8:18 pm
by Dutchlindsay
Hi Guys, I got a planted aviary with a dirt floor and am about to put 150 mm of course washed sand on top.
A friend of mine who is into gardening wondered whether the sand would be very base/calcium like (opposite of acidic) and may harm the plants. Any one ever had any problems with this? Thanks