Isopods, mold problem, and tongs

[lovinonmybell]

Having a mold problem in my caribena versicolors enclosure. I've read isopods can help? Is this true? How? Is it safe? Won't the tarntula eat them? I havent been misting the enclosure, but I do put a couple drops on the web it's made to make sure it has access to water probably about once a week.

Also, what are the best tongs to get to take stuff out of T's enclosure, or possibly tong feed.. I have an avic avic who's had a medium size dubia in it's enclosure for over a week now and still hasnt found it ..I'd prefer to know that it's gotten it's meal, and since it's made no webbing yet I cant just drop it in :/ kinda worried about that one

 

[Greasylake]

How big is the T? A sling would most likely try to eat the isopods while a larger T would just ignore them. Isopods will eat any leftover food the T doesn't finish and will actually eat the mold itself too. I use 10 inch feeding tongs for all my maintenance and feeding needs, keeps my fingers well out of the way.

 

[lovinonmybell]

How big is the T? A sling would most likely try to eat the isopods while a larger T would just ignore them. Isopods will eat any leftover food the T doesn't finish and will actually eat the mold itself too. I use 10 inch feeding tongs for all my maintenance and feeding needs, keeps my fingers well out of the way.

A little under an inch I think... Not quite sure how to measure. Was sold to me as 3/4 an inch so I guess I'm just gonna go with that size

 

[Serite]

Do not worry a tarantula will know when it wants to eat so it probably did not eat that Dubia roach for a reason wether it be pre-molt or fastening. You should have taken that Dubia out of the enclosure 24 hours after you put it in because if it's left in there too long it leads to mold and mites developing. I don't know what you mean by what 'kind' of tongs but everyone usually uses 6-10inch steel tongs. I don't know the answer to your isopods question though for adult t's they usually help by eating the left overs.

 

[Greasylake]

I've heard of people using isopods as feeders for their tiny slings but I've never tried it myself. Actually maybe I'll go test it now. Some species of isopod can be pretty brutal (there's a thread about it in the insects and other inverts section) so while they would probably be fine for a larger T, I would use springtails for a sling, or just change the substrate to get rid of the mold if it's that big of an issue.

For the record, my Fimbriatus sling is currently happily munching away on a dwarf white isopod, so I can confirm that small slings will eat them.

 

[cold blood]

Having a mold problem in my caribena versicolors enclosure.

Increase ventilation, decrease moisture.

Avics do best kept predominantly dry, with excellent ventilation...not a situation that should foster mold growth.

I would recommend a 16oz deli cup.

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• cold blood
• Mar 1, 2017

Johnny 2 legs finally got an actual enclosure to enjoy...the recovery process and growth of this...

I have an avic avic who's had a medium size dubia in it's enclosure for over a week now and still hasnt found it

Crush dubia heads and place them on webbing or in an area near where the t is holding.

 

[NukaMedia Exotics]

You shouldn't have a mold issue in a C. versicolor enclosure, keep the enclosure completely dry with just a full water dish. To remove uneaten food and pretty much for most stuff, I use 10" rubber tipped tongs. I got mine from Walmart.

 

[Little Grey Spider]

As a couple of other users have said, a proper C. versicolor set up is not an environment where mold can occur. Too much moisture and too little ventilation which creates stuffy conditions which can make a dead versicolor. Can you perhaps post pics of your enclosure? I would honestly probably do a complete overhaul of this enclosure using dry sub, some climby things (cork bark/fake plants) and just a water dish. I have two, one placed arboreally as well, but many people on here say one on the sub floor is sufficient. I've personally seen her drink out of both, so I like to have them both available.