Mold on diftwood?

Hello again, everyone!!

I recently changed the substrate in my ball's tank, which is a coconut subtrate that you buy in those blocks.

I usually take advantage of the damp substrate when it is fresh to regulate humidity in the tank, but this time the driftwood began to grow mold where it is in contact with the substrate.

I immediately took out the wood and after some research I found how to well clean it qnd since the substrate is much more dry.

However, I was wondering if maybe i should just opt out the use of the driftwood for good? I have plenty of leafy plants for cover and was wondering if the wood is at all necessary.

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Originally Posted by jadekris00

Hello again, everyone!!

I recently changed the substrate in my ball's tank, which is a coconut subtrate that you buy in those blocks.

I usually take advantage of the damp substrate when it is fresh to regulate humidity in the tank, but this time the driftwood began to grow mold where it is in contact with the substrate.

I immediately took out the wood and after some research I found how to well clean it qnd since the substrate is much more dry.

However, I was wondering if maybe i should just opt out the use of the driftwood for good? I have plenty of leafy plants for cover and was wondering if the wood is at all necessary.

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Try cork bark instead, the stuff is bulletproof, resists mold and takes years to degrade

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Your driftwood will probably just mold up again, I agree, cork bark would be a better option. Too bad, driftwood is awesome. I have no issues with it,
but I'm using in dry colubrid cages, not with humid substrates.

I'm not sure about wood, but I use the coconut fiber from bricks as well and I've found that the amount of water it recommends is way too much. I use as little water as possible with my bricks and break it apart by hand to prevent it from becoming soggy.

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Originally Posted by elleon

I'm not sure about wood, but I use the coconut fiber from bricks as well and I've found that the amount of water it recommends is way too much. I use as little water as possible with my bricks and break it apart by hand to prevent it from becoming soggy.

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Exactly this. Use hot water and add it gradually.

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Originally Posted by Valyrian

Try cork bark instead, the stuff is bulletproof, resists mold and takes years to degrade

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jadekris00

Hello again, everyone!!

I recently changed the substrate in my ball's tank, which is a coconut subtrate that you buy in those blocks.

I usually take advantage of the damp substrate when it is fresh to regulate humidity in the tank, but this time the driftwood began to grow mold where it is in contact with the substrate.

I immediately took out the wood and after some research I found how to well clean it qnd since the substrate is much more dry.

However, I was wondering if maybe i should just opt out the use of the driftwood for good? I have plenty of leafy plants for cover and was wondering if the wood is at all necessary.

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​I had the same experience with my driftwood and coco husk bedding - Thanks for the cork bark tip Jade!

If your drift wood is molding how is your snake? Check for scale rot. You can always put your substrate in the oven on a low heat to get the moisture out.

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Originally Posted by Sunnieskys

If your drift wood is molding how is your snake? Check for scale rot. You can always put your substrate in the oven on a low heat to get the moisture out.

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When I had the issue I was using Cypress mulch bedding, it wasn't soaked but moist, and the driftwood started to mold where it was touching the bedding. I immediately took it out, sanitized it, threw it in the oven and baked it, changed the bedding for new and tried again...again it molded....so I made the PVC jungle gyms, they don't mold LOL

The snake was fine, no issues...I was really concerned about RI, but nothing thank goodness.

I'm going to try the cork bark now...