Is it ok if my ASF has snipped through the false bottom mesh?

Bgold

Arachnopeon
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Jan 14, 2024
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New Asian forest scorpion owner, here. Woke up to find a pile of false bottom clay balls outside of my scorpions new burrow. He burrowed in the corner of his glass tank so I am able to see into his burrow. I can see that the mesh has been cut through (I’m assuming by the scorp) revealing the layer of clay balls below. However, since his burrow is somewhat cavernous, the water reservoir/clay balls do not seem to be in direct contact with substrate.

1) has anyone else experienced something like this? Is this something to worry about?

2) I’ve read conflicting reports for whether or not the water reservoir should contact the substrate. Some say it should never come in contact, as this can make too soggy a substrate, while others say it should so that the substrate can absorb it and stay moist — evaporation alone will not work to maintain soil moisture. The clay ball layer is about 2-3 inches high but I usually only keep about one inch of water in there.
Thanks in advance for any help and advice.
 

Outpost31Survivor

Arachnoprince
Joined
Aug 23, 2019
Messages
1,631
New Asian forest scorpion owner, here. Woke up to find a pile of false bottom clay balls outside of my scorpions new burrow. He burrowed in the corner of his glass tank so I am able to see into his burrow. I can see that the mesh has been cut through (I’m assuming by the scorp) revealing the layer of clay balls below. However, since his burrow is somewhat cavernous, the water reservoir/clay balls do not seem to be in direct contact with substrate.

1) has anyone else experienced something like this? Is this something to worry about?

2) I’ve read conflicting reports for whether or not the water reservoir should contact the substrate. Some say it should never come in contact, as this can make too soggy a substrate, while others say it should so that the substrate can absorb it and stay moist — evaporation alone will not work to maintain soil moisture. The clay ball layer is about 2-3 inches high but I usually only keep about one inch of water in there.
Thanks in advance for any help and advice.
False bottoms do not really work with burrowing species like AFS. It is best just to keep them on 4"-6" 100% moist to the touch cococoir. It will hold burrows splendidly. If any dry spots appear just slowly and carefully pour enough water to re-moisten these dry spots.
 

SpookySpooder

"embiggened"
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False bottoms do not really work with burrowing species like AFS. It is best just to keep them on 4"-6" 100% moist to the touch cococoir. It will hold burrows splendidly. If any dry spots appear just slowly and carefully pour enough water to re-moisten these dry spots.
How do you deal with the constant humidity and mold? I found when using 100% eco earth it inevitably molded. When I switched to a reptilsoil/ecoearth mix I stopped getting that yellow mold.
 

Dry Desert

Arachnoprince
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How do you deal with the constant humidity and mold? I found when using 100% eco earth it inevitably molded. When I switched to a reptilsoil/ecoearth mix I stopped getting that yellow mold.
Very true, Coco fibre is notorious for mold, I am convinced it comes ready seeded with mold spores.
I stopped using it years ago and switched to natural organic topsoil that holds better for burrows..

Coco fibre to soil is the equivalent of crickets are to ideal feeders.

Coco fibre gets dusty if allowed to dry at all and mouldy when wet, even with good ventilation.

That's probably why its cheap.
 

Outpost31Survivor

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How do you deal with the constant humidity and mold? I found when using 100% eco earth it inevitably molded. When I switched to a reptilsoil/ecoearth mix I stopped getting that yellow mold.
Springtails, proper ventilation and airflow (I never restrict more 50%-60%), not overwatering (keep 100% of the substrate simply moist to the touch), and if you still have issues spot remove any molds.
 

Ultum4Spiderz

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Very true, Coco fibre is notorious for mold, I am convinced it comes ready seeded with mold spores.
I stopped using it years ago and switched to natural organic topsoil that holds better for burrows..

Coco fibre to soil is the equivalent of crickets are to ideal feeders.

Coco fibre gets dusty if allowed to dry at all and mouldy when wet, even with good ventilation.

That's probably why its cheap.
Does not seem cheap online or in store one seed shop had some I paid $13-15 for a 3 pack.
And the top soil I got is full of sticks.
 

Mirandarachnid

Arachnobaron
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Nov 11, 2017
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542
Does not seem cheap online or in store one seed shop had some I paid $13-15 for a 3 pack.
And the top soil I got is full of sticks.
I think they mean coco fiber is cheap compared to other bagged substrate sold specifically for animals. I just bought my first bag of top soil and it’s also full of sticks. I’m still trying to decide if it’s worth the time it’s taking to sift it out lol
 

CRX

Arachnoprince
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False bottoms do not really work with burrowing species like AFS. It is best just to keep them on 4"-6" 100% moist to the touch cococoir. It will hold burrows splendidly. If any dry spots appear just slowly and carefully pour enough water to re-moisten these dry spots.
I just wanna add, IMO a mix of coco/organic peat or topsoil/, and reptile sand 40/40/20 in that order allows for optimal burrowing. Throw in some sphagnum plus you can mix a bit in the substrate too for extra stability.
 

CRX

Arachnoprince
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I think they mean coco fiber is cheap compared to other bagged substrate sold specifically for animals. I just bought my first bag of top soil and it’s also full of sticks. I’m still trying to decide if it’s worth the time it’s taking to sift it out lol
I bought a big bag of living bioactive topsoil at the same expo I got my AFS, and it had alot of bark chips in it. I don't think its a huge issue, as long as theyre not too splintery.

Also over 2 years later and the springtails from that bag are still thriving in his enclosure. I highly rec bioactive if you can get it. Joshsfrogs is probably the best place online for it.
 

adam james

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Oct 5, 2023
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I have the exact same setup as you (coco/mesh/clay pellets), and while my little guy did not go through the mesh yet, im sure in time it will happen.
I keep about the same amount of water in the bottom as you indicate in your post.
I use hydrotron clay pellets, which seem to have very good wicking action. they are never in contact with the substrate, but they seem to keep my substrate very damp all the time. I have never had to add water to the substrate to get it moist.
I have plenty of springtails in the enclosure. The spagnum moss on the top is breaking down (turning black in spots) from being moist all the time, but i do not have any fuzzy mold growing anywhere. I find myself often wondering if the substrate is too moist, but I have no experience to compare it with.
 
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