My new williamsi in their new viv (& mold :( )

[AWW]

My new williamsi are all set in their viv

I have started getting mold growing on the bamboo, especially the vertical piece in the back right (you can just see the top over the snake plant). I searched around GU and the viv forum and it seems like people don't worry too much about it? I know it grows harmlessly in the wild but sometimes I wonder about the spores etc in an enclosed viv. I'll probably get some springtails but I'm going out of town for a week so it'll have to wait til I get back.

Any critiques are welcome!

 

[Matt K]

I have had that show up in newly set up vivariums...it does not stay around long and goes away after a bit in my experience, so I would say to just ignore it. Sometimes placing an occilating fan in the room or nearby to the viv will increase the ventilation and make it go away faster.....

 

[zohariels]

Nice and lush! Looks like the happy couple has a great new home.

 

[three stars two bars]

Is that just a 12x12x12? I can't really tell from the pics. Don't williamsi need something a little larger?

 

[AWW]

Is that just a 12x12x12? I can't really tell from the pics. Don't williamsi need something a little larger?

Yep, it is a 12" cube. I plan on moving them to a 12x12x18 as soon as I find a new home for one of my P.m. grandis that's currently in there.

However, I have to say the two of them don't look terribly cramped to me. I've read that a pair should be in a minimum of 12x12x18, but where did that size come from? I'm just curious where people get these tank sizes from.

 

[three stars two bars]

I think its based mostly on what has been proven to be successful from breed to breed and also on observed behavior. Though it may appear to you that all inhabitants are not 'cramped' they may have elevated stress levels that could contribute to their long term health and longevity. Also, being arboreal, your williamsi need something taller than 12", that's why people suggest the 12x12x18 as a minimum.

 

[Dyesub Dave]

Your setup looks great!! I'm wondering what the nice light green ground cover on the bottom right is? I'd love to get some of that for my viv's.

Dyesub Dave. :biggrin:

 

[Matt K]

Mine live in a 12x20x18, lots of plant and sticks with cocofiber mat glued to the back. They seem to like to act like monkeys from time to time jumping around in there... have 3 eggs incubating at the moment too.

 

[AWW]

I think its based mostly on what has been proven to be successful from breed to breed and also on observed behavior. Though it may appear to you that all inhabitants are not 'cramped' they may have elevated stress levels that could contribute to their long term health and longevity. Also, being arboreal, your williamsi need something taller than 12", that's why people suggest the 12x12x18 as a minimum.

No argument there, thanks for the explanation. I did see a pair being kept in a 8" cube at a pet store that did look way too small, but I don't think mine are being kept too cruelly at the moment in the 12" cube. Just my opinion based on the amount they're eating, being active, etc. That said I do plan on moving them to a taller viv and I have no doubt they'll be happier when I do.

 

[Dyesub Dave]

Hey AWW,

Could you tell me what the ground cover plant is in the lower right of your enclosure?

Thanks ... Dyesub Dave. :biggrin:

 

[AWW]

Your setup looks great!! I'm wondering what the nice light green ground cover on the bottom right is? I'd love to get some of that for my viv's.

Dyesub Dave. :biggrin:

I was hoping someone could tell me! :biggrin: I found it one day at Home Depot or Lowe's, I forget which. It was the only one they had and it wasn't labeled. If anyone knows I'd love to find the name out.

 

[Dyesub Dave]

Are you able to get a nice close up pic of it. It looks great and seems to be doing well in your enclosure!!

Thanks ... Dyesub Dave. :biggrin:

 

[AWW]

Sorry for the delay Dyesub Dave, here's a close up.

 

[wyatt003]

Search google for "Selaginella kraussiana" Its actually a type of fern. That might be what it is. I bought some of it from a nursery a while back and it looked very similar. Unfortunately I killed it somehow.

 

[AWW]

Well, that sure looks like it or something close to. Now I just have to find some more for sale. Mine also looks like some sections aren't doing so well, hopefully it stays alive. At any rate, thanks!