I've just constructed my first viv when I acquired a huge aquarium for $20. I've decked it out with custom wooden shelves that support attractive grapevine branches, and placed humidity loving tropical plants in various places. I've used rocks as accents that I've collected from the mountains, and placed an ultrasonic fogger in the back behind a piece of wood. I've also strewn green moss over the branches and rocks. This all worked out beautifully, the plants are flourishing and the humidity stays between 70-85, with the temp staying between 74-85. However, this ugly problem of mold has arisen from some unknown source, the bottom grapevine has a thin layer of fuzzy green mold, and on the bottom of the tank in places under the bark substrate there is also mold. I have properly sanitized everything except the branches and plants before placing them into the viv. I scrubbed the tank and rocks with bleach before use, and bought sterile green moss from flukers. The substrate is cypress bark from Zoo med, and the grapevines I bought at a reptile expo. The only source could be the plants (from a local nursery) or the branches. What I need to know is what is safe to use in this environment? I have a fungicide Physan 20 that I use on my orchids but I worry if it is healthy for my python to be in contact with. Does anyone have any wisdom to impart?
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New Viv for my JCP Mold Problem
Replies (1)
Mold/fungal spores are pretty ubiquitous in homes so I would not assume the source is something inside of your terrarium.
I'm not the most experienced with heavily planted terraria but I do have some input nonetheless.
Ventilation seems to be very important in planted terraria. Related to this, it seems important that high-humidity environments be given a chance to dry out to some degree in between mistings, etc.
And regarding the stuff you use on your orchids, my guess is that it would be safe, although I think you first need to adjust the conditions so mold is unable to grow. My wife keeps about 60 orchids and my guess is that anything safe around them would be safe around a carpet python. But that is just a guess.
