[quik_silver_0707]

Both my Mantids have the complete lid as ventilation but still i noticed last night that there is mold growing on the coir substrate. Would it pay to use 100% vermiculite?

 

[SiUK]

what are you using for ventilation?

 

[quik_silver_0707]

Hi, i brought this white mesh stuff from e-bay.

Find 150x130CM INSECT REPTILE VIVARIUM MESH SCREEN SUBSTRATE on eBay within, Reptiles, Pet Supplies, Home Garden (end time 23-Oct-07 14:39:34 BST)

 

[SiUK]

yeh thats the sort of stuff I use, I dont know why its going mouldy you could try changing the substrate or maybe its too wet.

 

[Spikebrit]

How damp is your substraite?? and what is your substaite??

Jay

 

[SiUK]

but still i noticed last night that there is mold growing on the coir substrate.

:Na_Na_Na_Na:

 

[quik_silver_0707]

Maybe im misting to much. Think i will change to vermiculite to be honest : victory:

 

[Spikebrit]

:Na_Na_Na_Na:

meany, fine im still tired and didnt read it properly lol.

Jay

 

[Spikebrit]

Maybe im misting to much. Think i will change to vermiculite to be honest : victory:

i use coco houmus in everything and have never seen mould develop on it, i was told that it couldnl'nt harbour mould spores or somthing. I use in in with my frogs as well which are saturated in water and are very warm and i still dont get mould in the substraite, i've seen it develop on plants but never the substraite.

If thats any help
Jay

 

[quik_silver_0707]

i use coco houmus in everything and have never seen mould develop on it, i was told that it couldnl'nt harbour mould spores or somthing. I use in in with my frogs as well which are saturated in water and are very warm and i still dont get mould in the substraite, i've seen it develop on plants but never the substraite.

If thats any help
Jay

Yeah cheers Jay, i must be doing something wrong

I'll get it right hopefully!! Probably stock up on Vermiculite

 

[Spikebrit]

Yeah cheers Jay, i must be doing something wrong

I'll get it right hopefully!! Probably stock up on Vermiculite

#

you mixing vermiculate in with the coir?? that could be your problem.

And how often are u misting??

Jay

 

[quik_silver_0707]

#

you mixing vermiculate in with the coir?? that could be your problem.

And how often are u misting??

Jay

Once every other day with misting. Yep mixing them both together, is that
wrong?

 

[SiUK]

I wouldnt say it is, I used to do a 50/50 coir and vermiculite for some spiders never had any problems, I know of lots more people that do as well

 

[quik_silver_0707]

Yeah i have that with my T's aswell, with no probs

 

[Spikebrit]

I dont mix mine just us staight coco houmus, and i've never had a problem, but mixing shouldn't be a problem. The misting sounds fine as well.

*Ponders* i've no idea then mate, the only thing i can think of is the venterlation.

Jay

 

[quik_silver_0707]

I dont mix mine just us staight coco houmus, and i've never had a problem, but mixing shouldn't be a problem. The misting sounds fine as well.

*Ponders* i've no idea then mate, the only thing i can think of is the venterlation.

Jay

Yeah its got to be the ventilation. What temp is best for them?

 

[Rsmith4040]

The mould will be growing on faecal matter, not the substrate. Mantis droppings get mouldy if not removed, especially if moist and warm. Ditto with cricket droppings or bits of food which the mantis has dropped. Just pick out bits which are growing mould, and make sure that in future you remove faeces every few days.

The mould is probably not harmful to the mantis, but since there are many moulds which could potentially be growing it's best not to take chances. If it is definitely not the poo, try taking a photo of where the mould is growing so I can give more specific help.

Also, there is no reason why ventilation could cause mould, unless you have your mantids ventilated by a badly maintained industrial air conditioner!

 

[quik_silver_0707]

The mould will be growing on faecal matter, not the substrate. Mantis droppings get mouldy if not removed, especially if moist and warm. Ditto with cricket droppings or bits of food which the mantis has dropped. Just pick out bits which are growing mould, and make sure that in future you remove faeces every few days.

The mould is probably not harmful to the mantis, but since there are many moulds which could potentially be growing it's best not to take chances. If it is definitely not the poo, try taking a photo of where the mould is growing so I can give more specific help.

Also, there is no reason why ventilation could cause mould, unless you have your mantids ventilated by a badly maintained industrial air conditioner!

Great info mate :no1:

Will look out for the poo then, i removed the mould and there hasnt been any re-growth since