Tank Cleaning

[Neil Martin]

I have just fed my B.Smithi, which I've had for a month and for the first time noticed an overwhelming smell from the tank, similar to REALLY BAD foot odour.

After fishing around I did find a small dead cricket/half eaten and a small amount of mould near the water dish.

The bed is purely vermiculite and I change the water every 2 days minimum. I did spray the tank 2 days ago quite liberally what with the current heatwave in the UK so the area was quite damp.

I have vented the tank and scooped out the offending area of vermiculite and it all seems much better now.

I have been looking for the cricket husks and removing them but have to admit they are difficult to spot against the vermiculite.

If necessary I can do a complete clear out but don't want to upset the spider as it has only been in it's latest set up for 2.5 weeks and seems quite content, eating on a daily basis.

I understood that tank cleaning could be a twice/three times a year event or should it be more frequent?

[Neil Richardson]

You say that you vented the tank.. does it have ventilation normally??? If it's hot and humid in there, it's a perfect breeding ground for all manner of nasties.

[Neil Martin]

You say that you vented the tank.. does it have ventilation normally??? If it's hot and humid in there, it's a perfect breeding ground for all manner of nasties.

Neil, yes the lid does have plenty of air holes in it, I just meant that I left the lid of for a good period (and guarded against any possible break for freedom) after removing the offending material to give it a real good airing.

I have noticed that in the last few days the tank temp and humidity have risen from a steady 70F/60% to around 80F/75%.

[Michael Tabor]

Hi Neil
I clean out my entire viv once a month

[Yinnon Dolev]

For a B. smithi I would use a different substrate - perhaps peat moss.

[Phil Rea]

I've found that pure vermiculite tends to stick to T's legs, so I never use it by itself.

Mixed in with peat, it's a lot better

[Mike Shaw]

I agree peat moss is definately my favourite. However I do find it very moist when first purchased. I tend to set up the tank and leave on a heat pad for 24 hours without a lid. Only then do I place the T in there. Other wise you end up with excess moisture thet you don't need. I have heard of othere techniques i.e. squeeze substrate so it's just moist enough to retain it's shape when you let go.

Anyway hope this helps.

cheers Mike.

[Neil Martin]

Thanks all for the replies.

I bit the bullet and cleaned the tank out as the smell just wouldn't clear. As I have around 4" of base I took the top 2" off and it all seems well again.

I have also improved the ventilation in the lid.

Cleaning the tank out, it appears that the T has buried remains in a few places (hence me not seeing them) and these have in turn rotted and developed mould growth.

I'm not spraying at the moment as the ambient moisture content is well high enough, so hopefully this will help.

BTW, I will try mixing in some peat although I haven't noticed any problems with it sticking to the spider todate and it does dig 3" deep pits in the tank corners.