Question about MelaFix vs. mold

[Bort]

I have a friend who saw my Emp's tank and saw that some mold was growing. Just a patch of white stuff. He said I should try spraying it with MelaFix, which is a medicine I sometimes use for my fish. MelaFix is an all natural anti-bacterial liquid. There's also PimaFix which is anti-fungal. (I think Pimafix would work on mold, 'cause it's a fungus right? I should've stayed awake in Bio...) Anyways, it's all natural, but I'm just wondering if any knows wether this could harm the Emperor.

Also, is mold really that harmful to the scorpions? When you think about it, an emperor would be in contact with mold all the time in the wild. That stuff grows everywhere.

Thanks,
-Bort

 

[JonDaAzn]

some mould shouldnt be a problem, but excessive amounts could colonise the scorpion's book lungs (i think), also, the tank is a contained enviroment, whereas the outside world is well, outside

 

[Kugellager]

Would not use any chemicals in the invert enclosures...best way to prevent mold in moist environments is to use 100% peat as substrate and be diligent on removing leftover food items if you are not already...A little mold is not a big deal as was already stated.

John
];')

 

[RaZeDaHeLL666]

Dont use melafix. It killed my fishy! =( You only have to use like a half a drop for a 40 gallon tank and its NOT FOR SCORPS. So that evil stuff will prolly kill ur scorp too. =(

 

[Bort]

I doubt it killed your fish, though without knowing what disease your fish had, I can't be completely certain. As far as antibiotics go, MelaFix isn't very strong compared to some of the less natural chemicals. It may have in fact been too weak to cure whatever ailment your fish had, and couldn't save it. I usually use MelaFix for fins damaged by other fish or by any scrapes they may have. It prevents infection better than it cures it.

But sounds like the overall consensus is it's a bad idea. Just thought I'd check. It's not what I would call a bad mold problem, but I'd rather have no mold. I'm using Forest Bedding as substrate now, and I've never had a problem with mold before. But the mold is probably just due to the high moisture.

Someone also suggested spreading a layer of dry substrate over the damp, and that way no mold will grow on the dry, and there won't be enough oxygen for the mold to grow on the moist. And the emp will achieve the high humidity by digging into the wet substrate. Any thoughts on whether this is a good idea?

Thank you,
-Bort