HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I only set up my tank about a week ago, and some of the wood pieces in the tank are growing some sort of white fuzzy stuff on them, why is this happening and how do I stop it??????????

The fuzzy white stuff is mold. It does not harm the crabs

You can get rid of the mold by soaking the wood in saltwater for a few hours and/or baking in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes (keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!). White vinegar may be used on the glass if it spreads.

Hermit crabs may be resistant to mold, but sadly, we aren’t.

JoeHermits wrote:You can get rid of the mold by soaking the wood in saltwater for a few hours and/or baking in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes (keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!). White vinegar may be used on the glass if it spreads.

Hermit crabs may be resistant to mold, but sadly, we aren’t.

Note: baking will help kill mold, but the saltwater is a more effective preventative measure.

Hello! Welcome to the HCA!!

I personally don't worry about the mold. It usually does occur when you first put something in the tank. If you don't have allergies, and it doesn't bother you, you can just let it die off. That is what I have always done. Mold doesn't harm the crabs. It can harm us when if we breath it in though...so don't Some people do soak their wood in Marine salt water, and then bake it. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn't. It can shrink your wood though.

Good luck!

thank you to everyone that helped answe my issue