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  1. #1
    Registered User jadekris00's Avatar
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    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.

  2. #2
    BPnet Veteran Valyrian's Avatar
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    Re: Mold on diftwood?

    Quote Originally Posted by jadekris00 View Post
    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.
    Try cork bark instead, the stuff is bulletproof, resists mold and takes years to degrade

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Valyrian; 06-16-2018 at 04:39 PM.
    0.1 CB17 Pearl Burmese Python - Kaiju

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  4. #3
    Bogertophis's Avatar
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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.

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  6. #4
    Registered User elleon's Avatar
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    Re: Mold on diftwood?

    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.

    Sent from my SM-J327P using Tapatalk

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  8. #5
    BPnet Veteran Valyrian's Avatar
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    Re: Mold on diftwood?

    Quote Originally Posted by elleon View Post
    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.

    Sent from my SM-J327P using Tapatalk
    Exactly this. Use hot water and add it gradually.

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
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  9. #6
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    Re: Mold on diftwood?

    Quote Originally Posted by Valyrian View Post
    Try cork bark instead, the stuff is bulletproof, resists mold and takes years to degrade

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
    Quote Originally Posted by jadekris00 View Post
    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.
    ​I had the same experience with my driftwood and coco husk bedding - Thanks for the cork bark tip Jade!
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  10. #7
    BPnet Senior Member Sunnieskys's Avatar
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    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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  12. #8
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    Re: Mold on diftwood?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sunnieskys View Post
    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.
    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...
    Last edited by BR8080; 06-18-2018 at 03:14 AM.
    Ball Python
    0.1 Lesser (Lucille) local pet store
    Boas
    0.1 Caulkers Cay (CC) from TJ Blevins (Second City Constrictors)
    1.0 Sunglow het moonglow (Sonny) from Dustin Dirnberger
    1.0 BCI - DH Sharp Snow (Bob) from TJ Blevins (Second City Constrictors)
    1.0 Brazillian Rainbow Boa (Babylon) from Ike Lightener (Ike's Exotics & Aquatics)
    Pythons
    0.0.1 Unknown/undocumented rescue (Roger)
    1.0
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    Cats

    1.1 Domestic short hair (Esther and James)
    Snake Wishlist
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    Woma or Black Headed Python
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