reptile branch getting mold?!

[rayann]

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 !

[p3titexburial]

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.

[dr del]

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

[seeya205]

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!

[likebull1]

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

[seeya205]

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

good idea!