Substrate moisture level..

R

Ryan H

L1
I had some long, white fungus that resembled hair crop up everywhere in my tank last week, fortunately I was able to save my L3 Rhino larvae and they are coming along just fine in the refreshed setup. I am now worried about how moist my tank should be. Before I was using standard beetle substrate purchased from a local department store, after translating the text it says that it is pre fermented, however it may not be (I personally am a beginner and not a good judge of such things). I had a potato in the cage to keep moisture.

I have one larva which randomly seems to enjoy hanging out at the surface (there are two sharing a ~5L cage), both before and after the mold issue. The soil is rather dry now and I've been spritzing water on the surface until it is moist 1-2 times a day. The soil seems to stay dry underneath and I don't have any mold issues now No sponges or potatoes are being used this time. What are your suggestions?

In the picture, the larvae are not visible. They both seem to move around the cage throughout the day, but only one of them likes to hang out on the surface. Is it attracted to the water?

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So what exactly is the department store beetle substrate? You said you WERE using it so what are you using now? I would stick will naturally sourced wood and leaf litter. I think the surfacing of the larvae is a sign of poor substrate. As for moisture I would suggest removing the larvae and mixing the substrate with water until it seems nice and moist but not soupy or dripping wet. I would then put it back in and place the larvae on top to make sure the accept the moisture and dig down. Take plastic wrap and cut a piece a little bigger than the lid of your tank and then lay it over the opening. I would tape one side of the plastic wrap to the tank just to keep it attached. Poke like four or five pinholes in the plastic. I know it seems weird putting such small air holes but its really all you need. Then I would just put the normal lid back on. I plastic wrap the top of all my containers like this and the moisture stays pretty consistent.

 
I disagree. This species tends to behave odd... Mine surface the substrate in most containers and I am using a variety of test substrates... A couple different types!
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Korean substrates can be pretty solid... what brand is it? Can I see the bag?
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