Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 20h with auratus to be in soon. I have a piece of wood from the pet store in the water and partially out. the part out started growin mold on it. little white dots every where. is it cuz i have a wrong type of wood? they said it should work. but also, i cant yet figure out how to keep the temps down. they're gettin to almost 90 during the day if its hot, and i know this is to high. so, first, how do i stop the mold, is it cuz of the temp? and also, any tricks on keepin temps down a few degrees? thanks

cause if you do, it can raise the temps. Raise the light up some, if applicable.
-----
phflame

I agree alot of bulbs do give off alot of heat, are you useing a flourescent or light bulb? Also how I combat mold is my springtail cultures, they seem to be doin the trick in my tank. I read awhile ago from a previous post (on this forum) the the white mold is harmless and will eventually go away after the nutrients are taken in. Maybe that poster can give some more insite.

PS- was it the expensive wood you bought from the pet store (Malaysian driftwood I believe)? This is what I use and I also use it submerged in my fishtanks. I found in the past that the grapewood vines mold alot faster.

The mold is a normal phenomenon and will tend to come and go especially in new tanks.

I find that in summer I have to turn the lights off mid day to keep temperatures down, since I don't have airconditioning. I have a partial screen over the front section of my hinged glass tops, which I also raise and mist over the screen for some evaporative cooling.
-----
Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus
2 D. azureus
4 P vittatus

ok thanks. right now the lid is two peices of glass with the front 6 in or so lifts up. Should that whole flap be screen, or just a corner? about much do you think? and also, just to be sure, the mold is ok to leave in there? cuz i took it out, but i'll put it back. thanks

as they need the humidity. That is the way that I have my tanks. Plus, it helps to contain the fruit flies. Have you tried raising up the light to reduce the heat?
-----
sue

I did raise the light about an inch or so with some styromfoam. The temp today was down around 81 or 82 when I got home, but it was a much cooler and stormy day today, so i'm sure that is mainly why. The next average day I will know if it helps or not. So, all glass on top? I think I can do that, it is very dry here. thanks