Mold in Tank?

[mpiggy]

Help. New Orchid Tank, set up for a 6 weeks, because I wanted a masdie.

Although I've have kept orchids alive for years (and a few occasionally bloom) I feel like I'm a newbie. Never had a major pest problem but have read about them.

So now that I've found these white specks on the terrarium and on some leaves, I'm freaking. Is this regular mold? Can I sigh in relief that they aren't signs of mealy bugs - or is this just as bad?

What do I do about this?

Appreciate any comments or suggestions.

[Eyebabe]

It's difficult to tell but I would start with some physan on the plant and clean the terrarium with some 10% bleach solution.

[ezil]

I can't tell either, but looking at some of the leaves, I think you also have a bit of rot going on. I have a few terrariums myself and one of the most important things is ventilation. Do you have a little fan in yours? If not, get one or you'll have the same problem again soon. If you have ventilation, check if there are areas with stagnant air. Also: mount a hygrometer and a thermometer in the tank, so you're familiar with fluctuations. Sounds like work, but really it's not. Keep us posted.

[Paul Mc]

you might want to consider using a fish bowl or vase culture for your masdie as opposed to terrarium building. It's a bit easier and far less costly. I have a terrarium, but I finally think I've figured out the fish bowl method/modification to suit my purposes. The original thread was posted by RJ Squirrel, but I don't remember it's exact title. Lookin the Masdie section of the forum or search for fish bowl. I have to say that my masdie's have had great success with a modification of RJ Squirrels methods!!!

The one thing I noticed with buildling a terrarium was that a body of water greatly increases the amount of humidity present, with air flow or not. In the fish bowl/vase culture for a masdie, you have the body of water. Plus, you have the temperature of the daytime versus the temp at night creating humidity which allows for water to slowly seep into the pot which closes the upper part of your vase/fish bowl.

I had no success with masdie's until I modified the fish bowl/vase culture methods. I've had WILD success since then - albeit I still have yet to get blooms (2 months later). I've had great growth both in the roots and the leaves though!!!!

I highly suggest you check it out!