reptile branch getting mold?!

hey - i bought one of those exo terra dried wood branches and am shocked ot discover that after only about a week of being in coconut husk substrate (which is not that wet - humidity levels are 60) where the branch touches the substrate has mold!

does this happen with all wood on substrates?

is other wood treated differently?

thanks !

That's really odd to me--are you sure it's mold or could it be leftover bp waste that stuck on it?

Maybe try a different substrate? However, being that wood is organic, and the environment for a BP is humid, and warm, it is usually a breeding ground for things like fungus and bacteria. Perhaps get rid of the branch altogether?

Someone with more knowledge on this will probably come along shortly. In the meantime, I would take the branch out. Goodness knows mold isn't the best for a BP.

Hi,

You could try baking the wood to kill it and sealing it with polyurathane (sp? ) varnish or somethig before putting it back in.

It might take a few coats to properly seal the ends though.

But it does hint that your coco-fiber substrate might be too wet under the surface.


dr del

I use a natural wood branch with coconut fibre and never had a mold problem! It most be sitting in some water or something! Wash it in bleach to kill the mold then wash again with soap and water and rinse well!

Also if you could prop up the branch onto a rock so its not sitting directly on the substrate that might help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by likebull1

also if you could prop up the branch onto a rock so its not sitting directly on the substrate that might help.

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good idea!