Gnats!

[stephanie]

I keep my salamander tank clean but can't get rid of the gnats that seem to be breeding in his tank. They're starting to fly all around my house. How can I get rid of them? His tank was just changed this month; it contains coconut fiber, top soil, a pothos plan, a water dish, and a cave.

 

[edward]

These are fungus gnats and they are common in enclosures with organic substrates. They are also commonly found breeding in moist/wet pots of plants..

Ed

 

[jennifer]

Yes, I get these too. If you really want to get rid of them, you'll have to completely clean out the tank, sterilize the new bedding (bake or microwave), and then keep the tank covered with a tightly-sealed layer of cloth, or some other material that will allow ventilation but keep out insects. It may not be worth the bother.

 

[stephanie]

I'll try that, it might be worth the effort since the gnats are driving me crazy. I've tried keeping my tank closed to keep the moisture in but then it ends up becoming humid and HOT inside. I'll try the cloth, I bet that'll be better for letting the heat escape. Thanks. I'm glad to know the gnats are normal, because they make me feel like I'm not keeping the tank clean enough.

 

[jennifer]

Even well-cleaned tanks can get these. I have even seen these gnats in a tub of top soil that I had dampened to use, but hadn't yet kept with any animals.

 

[zuccone]

Hi Stephanie,

Just a little question, what is the species on your avatar photograph ?

Thanks
Zuccone.

 

[stephanie]

He's a blotched tiger salamander and I'll have had him for 10 years this summer.