Cork bark

[axolotlgangster]

How can i sanitize cork bark for my salamander tank because there were some scorpion looking things on the bark with no tales?

 

[Greewok]

scorpion looking things on the bark with no tales?

Do you mean a spider?

 

[axolotlgangster]

No thay had claws.

 

[Nathan]

Those are pseudoscorpions and are completely harmless, but a quick soak in very hot water will kill them.

 

[Azhael]

Pseudoscorpions should not pose a threat to any caudate, but nevertheless it´s always a good idea to sterilize.
You can moisten the bark, and place it in a microwave container, then microwave it for a few seconds until you see vapor coming from the bark. Don´t leave it too long, because if it dries up, it will burn. Repeat if necessary.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

(Shameless plug)


Everything you need to know about wood, including cork bark and how to sterilize it is here.

I advocate heavy rinsing and boiling of cork bark. I have gotten many pieces of the last few years that had some sort of oil that skinned up my tank tops. Soaking and boiling prevents this from happening.

Microwaving and ovens can be a fire hazard, so it is very, very important you stay right there with the wood while heating it. Very little smells as bad as a house full of cork smoke. (Trust me, I know...)

 

[axolotlgangster]

Ok thank you all.