Cork and mold

[Guest]

I recently purchased some cork products from black jungle - a cork tube and semi circular hide-away. The hide-away is doing great, but I noticed some mold on the outside of the tube and when I removed it, I found the entire inside was colonized with mold - sting like hair, clumps of green and white mold, etc. ny ideas why???

[KittyCaller]

I'd guess the high humidity. I don't really know why it would be on one, but not the other, though. Maybe the moldy one was slightly damp or the crabs got it wet. I really can't be sure.

[Guest]

I did put in in wet - should I have let it dry first? And, what woudl be the best way to clean it?

[kuplakrabs]

Unfortunately cork bark will mold if left in contact with the damp substrate. I soaked mine in boiling saltwater and then baked it dry. Be careful though while baking it. If you don't keep a close eye on it, it may dry out too much and the tunnel will open up or even split in half. I ruined one of mine this way LOLTry scrubbing it with a stiff bristled brush to remove the nasty stringy stuff.Try putting it in dry and strategically placing it so it doesn't sit right on the substrate. I have actually found that (wine) corks are rather mold resistant. I used aquarium sealant to glue a group of them together and use them as a base for my organic items-like wood and cork bark. I create hidey huts too that can also double as a way to elevate organic items.