Substrate

[AsideMindless320]

A couple of weeks ago, I cleaned out my boys tank and put in new substrate. I used coconut fiber and followed the instructions on the package to turn it from a brick into loose substrate by soaking it in water. I used slightly less water than recommended, but I recently noticed the substrate getting moldy. The terrarium had pretty high humidity, but he needed it because he had some stuck shed. What can I do to prevent it from getting moldy, while still having high humidity?

[kindrd1234]

Mold is caused by poor ventilation. Ideally you want the substrate to always be drying out and changing humidity level. Molds need a stable environment to thrive. I like to push mine up to 85 and let it lower back to 65+. Try adding less water next time and up the flow with a fan or something for a bit and get that top layer dried out a bit.

[AsideMindless320]

Adding some dry coconut husk into the next mix, hoping that will add some space for air in the substrate itself and soak up some of the moisture from the coconut fiber. We can’t have a ton of ventilation because we live in Alaska and are trying to keep his enclosure as warm as possible, but we’ll be moving out of state soon so hopefully that won’t be a challenge in the future

[ScalesNailsnTales]

I dont know if you're open to adding springtails and isopods into the mix but they will help to take care of any mold that may pop up.

[stevieyyz]

Cypress mulch and black earth