How to treat mould/fungus in DSM tank

[shawry74]

Hi All,

 

I started a DSM (Dry Start Method) tank for my CRS, with HC, about a month ago and over the last couple of weeks I have encountered a mould problem with the HC.

 

After a bit of research I found that you need to treat this with Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) - 1 part H202 to 4 parts RO water. I have now done this a couple of times over the last week and there seems to be no change.

 

Has anybody combated this with success before? As I am getting to the point of removing the affected HC and starting again, but would like to find out if anyone out there has success with any other type of treatment.

 

I may have used to much water to begin with, and should only mist about once a week (which I am doing now). Plus I run my light for 11 hrs a day.

 

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated, as I was planning to flood at around the 6-7 week mark, but I am a bit hesitant at this point.

 

Cheers

[fishmosy]

You could try flooding the tank for a few days, then drain it to continue the DSM.

[shawry74]

Thanks for the reply.

 

If I flood, will this get rid of the fungus/mold problem?

 

As I believe that some of the HC hasn't fully grasped the substrate yet. But there is a fair bit of growth from the unaffected HC.

 

Just want to make sure before I try this.

 

Thanks

[fishmosy]

Flooding should kill off the fungus/mold as long as you leave it flooded for at least a few days.

As to whether you should flood or wait a bit until all the HC has rooted well? I guess you need to judge whether the mold/fungus or the flooding will cause the most problems for the HC. The flooding will slow growth and may lift some plants if they aren't rooted well. But if the mold is going to kill most of it anyway, slowed growth for a few days is a price worth paying if you save your HC.

[shawry74]

Thanks for the advice @fishmosy.

 

I think I will just flood and take my chances, as it looks like most of the HC looks to have rooted well and I'll be at the 5 week mark this wend.

 

Cheers 

[shawry74]

 

Photo of my DSM Tank

Edited July 31, 2014 by shawry74

[Ronskitz]

Looks awesome :)

[AllyL]

Looking good shawry!

 

Would you normally open up the glad wrap and air out the tank during the DSM?

 

Keen to give this a go ... if im allowed another tank

[petfish]

when doing a DSM tank you need to open/peel back the cling wrap a couple of times a day to mist spray the plant's, it is a very good/quick way to establish a planted tank. (hope you get the nod to go ahead with another tank)

                 cheers Pete...

[shawry74]

I started mist spraying every day or 2 when I first started, but that's when the fungus/mold started to rear it's ugly head ( at about the 2-3 week mark) and after researching a bit more it was mentioned that you shouldn't do it more than a couple of times a week to try and prevent this. But I do suppose that depends on your humidity levels and the amount of light provided every day. It seems to be a very fine balance that you have to try and find.

I aired the tank every night and tried to keep moisture off the cling wrap. I have a lot of new growth of the HC everywhere through the tank. It has actually spread a lot further than anticipated, so I have decided to flood the tank tomorrow to try and get rid of the fungus. I may lose some of the HC, but with C02 and a great light, the remaining HC should spread well.

 

Cheers

Glenn

[petfish]

I started mist spraying every day or 2 when I first started, but that's when the fungus/mold started to rear it's ugly head ( at about the 2-3 week mark) and after researching a bit more it was mentioned that you shouldn't do it more than a couple of times a week to try and prevent this. But I do suppose that depends on your humidity levels and the amount of light provided every day. It seems to be a very fine balance that you have to try and find.

I aired the tank every night and tried to keep moisture off the cling wrap. I have a lot of new growth of the HC everywhere through the tank. It has actually spread a lot further than anticipated, so I have decided to flood the tank tomorrow to try and get rid of the fungus. I may lose some of the HC, but with C02 and a great light, the remaining HC should spread well.

 

Cheers

Glenn

I guess i was just lucky then,

Edited August 1, 2014 by petfish

[shawry74]

I guess i was just lucky then,

 

I've seen your HC carpet and it's awesome. I wish mine could have turned out like that.

Your iwagumi tank was my inspiration to try and achieve, but unfortunately it didn't eventuate to the same degree.

But hey, it's all a learning curve.

[petfish]

I've seen your HC carpet and it's awesome. I wish mine could have turned out like that.

Your iwagumi tank was my inspiration to try and achieve, but unfortunately it didn't eventuate to the same degree.

But hey, it's all a learning curve.

keep at it, i think your tank looks great.

[Amit]

On 8/1/2014 at 6:00 PM, shawry74 said:

 

I've seen your HC carpet and it's awesome. I wish mine could have turned out like that.

Your iwagumi tank was my inspiration to try and achieve, but unfortunately it didn't eventuate to the same degree.

But hey, it's all a learning curve.

Hello,

 

i am facing the same issue.

did flooding the tank help?

 

Regards

Amit

[jayc]

If shawry doesn't return to answer you, I'm pretty sure it would have worked.

So if you have this problem, flood the tank as soon as you can.