White spider web looking growth in my Viv?

skinnycartman21 · #1 01-03-2011, 11:19 PM

I have a newly setup Viv, its just a small one 12x12x22. I know weird dimensions. There is cork tile on the back and forest bed and organic soil for the substrate. Plants are maidens hair, 2 Moss Ferns, a Bromiliad, and some poka dotted plant.There is some frog moss, sphagnum and spanish moss in there also. The tank is very humid between 80-100% humidity. Its light is a 20W screw in power compact. The temp is between 76 and 80 degrees. Over the past 2 days this thick spider web like stuff has been growing along the cork tile backround. What is this and what do I need to do about it? I have a pair of Red eye tree frogs in there, is this going to harm them? I can take pics and post them if needed.

JoeG · #2 01-04-2011, 10:25 AM

Pic are always helpful. What you describe sounds like the white mold that is typical in new vivs, especially high humidity one with little circulation.

If it is white mold, it will help to have some circulation. As for it's potential for harm, its not normally an issue if you deal with it in good time, but post some detailed pics so we can confirm.

Grimm · #3 01-04-2011, 11:03 AM

It could also be spider mites...However with it only growing on your piece of corkbark and it being a new tank, it is probably nothing to worry about.

I had a little mold in my newest viv, and it smelled terrible because I forgot to treat the corkbark before putting it in the viv...Now though, it is covered with awesome mosses and liverworts, and smells like a rainforest. Just give it some time, and add a lot of springtails and woodlice to take care of the mold. They live off of fruiting boddies so they will take care of it for you.

On a side note, a 12x12x12 enclosure for 2 RETF's as WAAAAY to small! They need lots of height and climbing space. Afterall, they are TREE frogs.

skinnycartman21 · #4 01-04-2011, 12:41 PM

I will post some pics tonight when I get home. The rank is 22" tall, but yes I do realize that it is kinda small now. I needed to set something up before my girlfriend freaked out on me!!! I'm building a larger one but its taking awhile. LOL How should I have treated the cork? Where is a good source for the springtails and such?

beckdg · #5 01-05-2011, 01:16 AM

josh's frogs usually has some iirc.

another thing you can do is cover that area with mosses/liverworts/etc. if it's just the white mold. higher order of life wins.

all excellent suggestions.

pics, pics, pics... regardless... mystery solved or not.

BTW, the pic/vid thread is updated/cleaned up.