Pistachio Shell

[tigsher]

I really don't like the idea of putting a bottle cap into my Ts vivarium, so I decided to recycle my pistachio shell and make it a water dish.

Yes, I used (ate) salt free pistachios and also soaked the shells in hot water for a couple hours before putting it in my M.Balfouri enclosure (special thanks to @Ella1984 for my new additions).

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Also thanks to the members that commented on my "New to Ts Enclosure" thread and give me constructive ideas on improving the Ts husbandry (a new word I learned this week.

Maybe when I need to get a bigger water dish, I'll move up to a walnut shell, and if bigger a coconut shell.

 

[Frogdaddy]

This was a topic just last month.

Pistachio shells for sling water dishes?

Hi all! First off, I know that many people raise slings successfully without using water dishes. However, I still like providing them, it gives me peace of mind knowing they can drink whenever they need to do so. I also like more naturalistic enclosures, so while I currently use plastic bottle...

arachnoboards.com

 

[DomGom TheFather]

I wouldn't do it.

 

[Arthroverts]

This was a topic just last month.

Pistachio shells for sling water dishes?

Hi all! First off, I know that many people raise slings successfully without using water dishes. However, I still like providing them, it gives me peace of mind knowing they can drink whenever they need to do so. I also like more naturalistic enclosures, so while I currently use plastic bottle...

arachnoboards.com

Blast, you beat me to it .

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[tigsher]

This was a topic just last month.

That's cool, and sure I won't be the last to bring shells up (even from the sea).

I'm don't mind the extra work, and will see how it last in the vivarium. I read the thread, and concerns are about the salt and pesticides - then again who's to say substrates don't have any pesticides or heavy metal. As for mold, I have plenty of clean shells ready to change out.

This would be a great high school debate topic, "Pistachio Shells as water dishes." I saw all the great arguments that would convince me to use a bottle cap, but I still would like to try in my own enclosures. It's all about preference.

I appreciate the concerns, that's why I enjoy starting into this hobby. There's so much passion with the members. I know I can always fall back on bottle cap, but do like to give it a try in the meantime. Will I regret it? Maybe...and not looking forward to the "I told you so."

I do like the feel of seeing a shell in the enclosure. I'll try and take a photo of the T drinking out of the shell. That would be very cool.
FYI, I use a eye dropper to add water in the shell.

 

[BoyFromLA]

What to use for water dish:

1. Is it safe
2. Is it good enough
3. Is it easy to get
4. Is it readily available

I do not think pistachio shells are fit for a long run. (Just my two cents)

In a short run, yes why not?

By the way, I already can see molds sprout from 2nd picture if I am not mistaken.

 

[tigsher]

By the way, I already can see molds sprout from 2nd picture if I am not mistaken.

Short run? Probably, but always good to do a clean and exchange the shell to add new water.

Mold? No, I just put that shell in for a photo. Thats a bit of condensation and glare.

But overall, I agree with all the "don't use" comments. I'll keep careful watch as a test to see how long or often I need to change out the shell. I just tried today, and who knows? I might see deterioration by tomorrow and confirm everyone's comments.

 

[BoyFromLA]

Mold? No, I just put that shell in for a photo. Thats a bit of condensation and glare.

Oh I see, that picture is very deceiving.

 

[tigsher]

Oh I see, that picture is very deceiving.

Just means I need to work more not only on my enclosures but my camera work. Hahaha.

 

[tigsher]

Finally got a glance at my H.Gigas drinking from the shell.



And 1 of 10 did get mold, but putting only one drop of water seems to dry up pretty quick. So far so good.

This photo made my day.

 

[The Snark]

Always be cautious with pistachios. The shell is highly susceptible to certain very dangerous molds and the nuts contain Urushiol. The harvested nuts must be carefully kept in low moisture environments continuously from harvesting to final packaging. Non hermetically sealed nuts are always suspect. With moisture present aflatoxin can leech into the nut and shell. Many tons of harvested pistachios have to be destroyed every year. Aflatoxin is highly carcinogenic and a known health hazard.