Soil mold problems...

[hattori]

I have a 10 gallon that's divided with a piece of siliconed plexiglass into 20% land and 80% water. The seal is water tight, so no water leaks over to the other side. However, I'm having issues with mold on the substrate. It's just All-Living-Things Tropical Soil.

Any suggestions?

 

[Kaysie]

What species are you keeping in that tank?

The soil's probably moldy because of the high humidity in the tank caused by the large water area. Even if the divider doesn't leak, the air is still quite humid, and soil will 'wick' the water into it.

 

[JWERNER]

That substrate is going to mold.

I use Sphagnum Peat with dried Sphagnum on top and then my layer of moss or leaf litter. Never any issues and the Sphagnum moss helps keep the animals clean so any dirt don´t get carried into the water portions.
You could remove the substrate, add a thick layer of gravel and then just a thick layer of Sphagnum moss also, depending on the species of animal being kept of course.

Make sure it´s the fluffy stuff like the Orchid substrate Sphagnum moss.

 

[Azhael]

If the soil is new, then having some mold is perfectly normal. It´s not a problem either, unless it is VERY abundant and persistent. It should disappear eventually when the excess of nutrients is used and competition from other microorganisms stablishes itself.

 

[hattori]

I'm keeping fire-bellies.

I hesitate to use too much sphagum moss because I've had bad experiences with critters getting stuck and dying. I have a little bit on top, but don't want to use a lot.

Most of the mold is gone. I guess it's just from being new soil.

 

[PowerNewt]

I know this is an old post, but I think it could help to use a computer fan above the land area, or near it so that there would be more air circulation.

There's a new spray called concrobium that is supposedly safe and made of plants, but as far as being Newt-safe... we can't tell. I wouldn't dare try it, but apparently you can drink it if you like. It's plant derived and absolutely stops mold, even severe mold. (bathroom cupboard evil mold) I have some and love it.. but would never try it near the Newties.