substrait mold.

[David Dunmall]

Hi every one, my Brachypelma Smithi has buried its self in its hide and covered up the entrance,I know this is a sign of molting but i have noticed the substrate in the cage is maybe getting a bit moldy.
I want to change the substrate but obviously and dont want to desturb the B Smithi,Will it be ok to leave, its coconut fibre substrate.

[Luke Scott]

Hi I my self always use that type of sub and from a few things I've read don't hold me to it but they say the coco fibre sub it's self doesn't mold but what's on it will for example left over remains how bad is the situation

[Peter Roach]

If you have a B smithi and you have mould then you have 2 things wrong.

1) A severe lack a ventilation
2) Damp or moist substrate

These 2 things together are a recipe for mould to grow.
You need to increase the ventilation quite a bit, if you can add ventilation holes just above the substrate level.

I would add the extra holes and then leave the smithi to moult in peace.
With the increased ventilation the substrate will dry out and the mould then will dry out and die.

Unless your smithi is a very small sling (under 1cm) it does not need moist substrate.
From 1cm to 2cm only very slightly damp substrate is needed, after that it should be slowly getting drier the larger the smithi gets.
I keep all Brachypelma's over 1 inch on dry substrate with a small water bowl.

from a few things I've read don't hold me to it but they say the coco fibre sub it's self doesn't mold but what's on it will

Coco fibre can and will mould very easily if there is a lack of ventilation.
The mould that grows is generally greenish and is easily got rid of if extra ventilation is added.
Remains of its prey will usually mould if the tub is damp, if it is dry it wont . . . simples

[David Dunmall]

Hi thanks for the replie its about 10% of the substrate and it looks like white mold ,and I have removed any old dead crickets.
I did over wet it a few days ago.

[David Dunmall]

Thanks for the replie I do think its because of to much dampness so I'll leave it till it dryers out.

[David Dunmall]

Thanks .I will just let it dry out

[Peter Roach]

I forgot to ask . . how big is the B smithi ?

[David Dunmall]

I forgot to ask . . how big is the B smithi ?

Hi the smithi is about 2 and 1/4 inch.

[Peter Roach]

At that size the substrate should be totally dry with a small waterbowl in one corner.(notice that i dont)
Once per week slightly overfill the bowl so that the surrounding few inches are slightly damp. No misting or spraying is needed or wanted.

This is how I keep my Brachy juvies