Problems with Bed-A-Beast

Hi everyone!

My Ball Python recently went into shed so I raised the humidity up to around 70% and everything went smoothly but I noticed a white fuzzy growth on the Bed-A-Beast substrate. I've never seen this before and I've searched high and low on the internet and found very little info on this. It's only on one small spot in the tank but I assume whatever this stuff is will spread everywhere. :eek:

Will this go away as I let the humidity return to normal?

Or is this a big problem and I need to change out the substrate ASAP?

The snake seems fine, his skin looks wonderful, and his appetite is huge, no signs of anything amiss.

Any info or suggestions you guys may have would be most appreciated. :)

I have no experience with that particular substrate, but I do know that Aspen bedding works fine and there is absolutely nothing wrong with using plain ol' newspaper. If I were you, I would take that bedding out and replace it with newspaper. Personally, I like to put a layer of newspaper down and then a thin layer of aspen bedding.

edit: Check out this thread. It has a poll with everyone's preferred bedding and bed-a-beast is not listed. Newspaper is preferred amongst most, and aspen is in a close by second place :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

I have no experience with that particular substrate, but I do know that Aspen bedding works fine and there is absolutely nothing wrong with using plain ol' newspaper. If I were you, I would take that bedding out and replace it with newspaper. Personally, I like to put a layer of newspaper down and then a thin layer of aspen bedding.

edit: Check out this thread. It has a poll with everyone's preferred bedding and bed-a-beast is not listed. Newspaper is preferred amongst most, and aspen is in a close by second place :)

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Isn't Bed-A-Beast just one of many coconut fiber substrates? That's what I use and I was under the impression that is what it is. I could be wrong though. If it is though, then it is on that poll, although it didn't rank very high. Check out this one too http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...substrate+poll.

As for the original post, I would assume that is mold, but I don't know. Assuming it is, I would completely empty and clean your tank. Might as well do the whole 9 yards while you're at it... cleaning, disinfecting, etc. I personally haven't had any problems with mold growth on coco fiber. I empty, clean and disinfect my tank every 4-6 weeks. Newspaper and paper towels work too. So does aspen, cypress and every other substrate listed in that poll. Keep using coco fiber if that's what best suits your needs. Or you can experiment; your call. Good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nebby3103

Isn't Bed-A-Beast just one of many coconut fiber substrates? That's what I use and I was under the impression that is what it is. I could be wrong though.

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heh or you could be right. :confuzd: Like i said, i have no experience with it :)

Thanks for the replies. :)

Tomorrow I'll give the tank a thorough cleaning and change out the substrate.

Quote:

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Isn't Bed-A-Beast just one of many coconut fiber substrates?

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It's ground up coconut husks.

Yeah thats what it is (mold)....could be from old stool *shrugs*
I used to use shredded coconut husks and found it to be such a pain in the butt I switched over to aspin or sanichips..I can see myself switching to news paper in the near future as we get more and more snakes.

white fuzzy stuff is mold.

i use this substrate for my tarantulas so i know how this stuff works.

Excess moisture can cause it to mold. I have had that problem in my Frog's place. When I miss a stool or when the water bowl tips from him getting in and out.

Thanks everyone for the help. :)

I'll change out the substrate as soon as I get home from work.

This is just my luck, I changed out the substrate and noticed the bottom of the tank is cracked. :eek:

I'm going to switch my tanks over to those plastic tubs I see you all talking about.

My snakes must think I'm one terrible owner. :frustrate

It happens Earl, just decide what you want to do as far as setup and get it over with. Let your snake settle in for a good solid week after you make these major changes, then offer a feed after the week of quiet time is over. Aspen is a great substrate if you want to go for a loose substrate with your tub or you can just go with layers of newspaper/kraft paper for absolute ease of cleaning (when paper is clean...it's completely clean...no hidden bombs in the substrate LOL). :)

"Hidden bombs" LOL!

I have a Blood and a Ball, both are around 1 1/2 years old, and are growing fast so I'm trying to figure out what size tub to get but I'm on top of it. Once I get these fellows all straightened out I'll take some pics.

You'll love tubs! We are switching our collection over from Rubbermaid/Sterlite tubs to Iris brand tubs....all the benefits of a tub but glass clear and totally smooth inside. Believe me chipping a bit of dried urate out of a groove in a tub gets old fast LOL. Due remember to reinforce the tub lid for extra security as most lids have some give in them. Things like large binder clips, straps, etc. A soldering wand (small one $6.00 at Walmart) makes vent holes easy to melt though work in a well ventilated area of course - plastic fumes make snakekeepers loopy! :D

Wonderful! Thanks for the info. :D

Couple of quick pics for ya frankykeno :D


http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a.../snakes006.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a.../snakes003.jpg




As for my Blood well...he never sits still :cool:

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a.../snakes001.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a.../snakes002.jpg


I had to wait until he was back in his tank before I could get a pic of his head. Silly snake.