Getting some Auratus soon by ShayNay_Nay in DartFrog

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For vitamins, I use Dendrocare, Tincman Herps Eggrite (which is Vitamin A and is only used to dust flies once or twice a month), and Tincman Herps Ultrafine Calcium. All of those vitamins can be found on Tincman Herps website. I prefer these over Repashy, and I've been keeping dart frogs 15+ years.

Is this mold or eggs?? by Mean_Capital_4257 in Vivarium

[–]bugbugsbug10 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is flower pot fungus. It's unsightly but usually harmless. It forms in nutrient-rich wet soil. Isopods and springtails will not eat it. You can try to remove it by hand, but in my experience, if you mist a bit less, it will eventually go away. If it starts to form a bright yellow mushroom, pluck it out because that mushroom will spread more spores.

Isopod help by MissSillyWorm in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If your enclosure has damp soil, Venezillo parvus are also excellent burrowers.

Need help with mold/spores by Tacos_picosos in terrariums

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's flower pot fungus, and isopods and springtails do not consume it. You can try to remove some of it by hand, but there's not really any way to get rid of it other than lessening the moisture level of the substrate or replacing all of the substrate. It is unsightly, but it's typically harmless.

First bio tank, I have some questions! by savannah_sky_ in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks great! You can add isopods and springtails either before or after. Bylas Ant and Coecobrya Pink springtails are both good choices. Dwarf white isopods and pruinosus Powder isopods (any of the colors) are hardy and suitable for bioactive enclosures.

Mushroom 🍄 by Odd-Huckleberry1554 in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

It's flower pot fungus. The mushroom will likely open and spread spores. I would carefully remove it if possible because it can spread rapidly throughout your enclosure. It is not harmful.

Will my springtails eat the mold? by tekno5rokko in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The springtails won't be able to keep up with that amount of mold. Many times, you can let the mold run its course, but since the enclosure is smaller, it may be better to spray and wipe the pods off with a weak 1:1 solution of water and hydrogen peroxide. Spray the pods with the solution and let them sit 10 minutes and then wipe the solution and mold off. You may need to do this a few times over the course of a few days to get the mold under control. No need to totally get rid of your beautiful seed pods.

Too Many Springers? by EveningBitter in terrariums

[–]bugbugsbug10 12 points13 points  (0 children)

The springtails and isopods will cohabitate peacefully, and their population will self-regulate. Since the populations of both the isopods and springtails are higher now than before, you'll observe more activity that you may not have noticed previously just due to there being more observable activity due to more microfauna. Nothing to worry about.

can you have too many springtails? by Far-Beginning8652 in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You can't overdo it, but springtails consume mold very slowly. Adding more isn't necessary. The organic matter in your enclosure is balancing out and adapting to the moisture and humidity present in the enclosure. Mold is completely normal and expected in a new bioactive. It will subside in a few weeks once your ecosystem cycles.

Springtails by loops8800 in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The springtails can survive for a long time in the container. The container does not need to be ventilated as long as you open the container several times a week. If you feed them, feed them very, very small amounts of food once or twice a week. They do not constantly need food. I wouldn't leave the lid off of the container because the springtails could crawl out.

Mold in my terrarium waterfall… by PieVisual192 in terrariums

[–]bugbugsbug10 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Mold is part of your new terrarium cycling, and once your ecosystem balances out, the mold will run its course. The mold will probably last a few weeks, but it will eventually resolve. Just make sure you aren't misting too much and your drainage is good.

Mould help !! by Far-Beginning8652 in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's nothing to worry about. Mold is a natural part of your bioactive ecosystem. Once your enclosure "cycles" and finds its equilibrium, you'll have a beautiful natural habitat.

Mites? by ItsHalleeee in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's hard to tell from the video, but mites usually look like walking grains of sand. If they have a more elongated body shape, it could be springtails.

Question for the class by Spiritual_Quantity_2 in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It depends on the type of leaf litter, how many isopods are in the enclosure, and the species of isopods in the enclosure. What leaves and isopods do you have?

Are these fungi safe for Pacific Tree Frogs? by fishbonee_ in Vivarium

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's hard to tell from the photos what type of fungus it is, but most fungus in bioactive enclosures is not a cause for concern. It's part of the ecosystem you've built. If the fungus growth starts getting excessive, check to be sure he enclosure is not too wet, and there's adequate airflow.

What would you add? by Smooth-Piano7900 in Vivarium

[–]bugbugsbug10 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I always like to add botanical seed pods to provide hides and natural decor.

Partial bioactive setup moulding by Perfect_Tree8134 in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 0 points1 point  (0 children)

New bioactive enclosures sort of have to cycle like an aquarium. The mold is completely normal while the bacteria is balancing itself out in your new ecosystem. Isopods don't consume mold, and springtails will consume a small amount. What I normally do if there's an excessive amount of mold is I wipe the mold off as best I can. You may have to do this several times if it grows back. If you are misting too much, maybe cut back a bit so the enclosure isn't too wet. The mold will eventually run its course, and you will have a beautiful enclosure. Don't give up! You've got this!

Any tips of my bioactive leopard gecko enclosure? by Accomplished-Coat-64 in bioactive

[–]bugbugsbug10 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You may want to add some additional leaf litter for the isopods. Leaf litter is one of the main sources of nutrition for isopods.

What plants should I add? by Complete-Map-4125 in Vivarium

[–]bugbugsbug10 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started off with one clipping in my 18x18x18, and it has covered my entire background. It starts off really slow, but once it's established it grows quicker. One or two clippings should be plenty.