Mildew

[alove]

The log in my C, Orientalis tank is beginning to show signs of white mildew like growth. Should I be worried about this? And if so, how do I get rid of it?

 

[Jennewt]

Is the growth above water or below? What kind of wood is it and where did you get it? Some kinds of wood are not suitable for wet setups.

 

[FrogEyes]

Fungal growth is a normal part of the decomposition process. Any non-living plant material in a moist environment [or a dry one, for that matter] will eventually show fungal growth. Slime molds are a nuisance, as they rapidly spread across glass in their "animal" phase, but they rapidly die back once they reach their fungal fruiting phase. Mushrooms of all kinds will mostly grow invisibly before sprouting with some regularity, usually from wet wood. Other fungi will mainly appear in the form of molds on dead leaves, bark, or soil/mulch. Some of it can be controlled with ventilation and lighting, but for the most part I wouldn't be too concerned. It's the parasitic and infectious fungi which are problems, and THEY don't show up as molds or mushrooms.

 

[alove]

The mold is growing exclusively above the water. I do not know exactly what kind of wood it is. The description of the log is a thick heavy dark hard wood resembling driftwood. I think it may be Zilla Malaysian driftwood. I purchased it from a petstore and unfortunately do not remember the brand, and have since lost the tag for it. I have not noticed any sort of fungal growths spreading to the C. Orientalis, but I have noticed they avoid sitting on the moldier spots. To further clarify the look of the mold, its along the lines of a white speckled thin sheet of growth, which in a few spots appears green and for the most part does not seem to like the water, but does enjoy the moist areas.

Thank you so much for your responses. It sounds like I do not need to worry too much about it, but I am still somewhat concerned about the safety of my three juvenile C. orientalis, which pretty much spend their whole time on the log.