Quote:
Originally Posted by sammiethes
Just wondering if anyone can tell me if the mold or it's spores could be a health risk to the salamander. Is it that big of a big deal? They must encounter it all the time in the wild but maybe it's a potential problem in a confined space.
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Hard to say.
Could be. I don't suspect there are many salamander vivariums that don't have some mold growing in them. I personally wouldn't worry about it unless the mold growth is excessive, or if the mold is visually releasing quantities of airborne spores.
In dart frog vivs, we typically add mold-eating arthropods -- springtails, isopods -- to help keep mold and other undesirables in check. If you're collecting organic materials yourself, you might get some of these critters in the viv along with the bark and other materials. You might consider buying some and adding them, if you have them available where you live.
Some wood/bark sold in the hobby (cork, etc) doesn't rot nearly so fast as temperate tree bark.
I take it your salamander is doing better now with the cooler temperatures?