Mold Problems

[ShAgMaN]

So a few weeks ago my preggers wife walked by our 150 gal. tank and almost puked. I got my butt off the couch and smelt in the area but couldn't detect a thing. A few days later the same thing happened which drew me into looking under the tank with a light and sure enough there was a mold problem.

The mold is light, greenish tint, and sets on the wood like dust. Today I went in and wiped it out with a damp rag, and I'm in the proces of sealing the wood with kilz. It's pretty much a pain in the ***, so I'm wondering how to avoid this.

The thing is, I've been advised by many to run my fuge light at night, and my heater is in the sump. I believe both may play a factor in the mold growth. I'm thinking about killing the fuge light, but wondering if anyone knows a better cure. Would a fan help, or maybe opening up the stand with more airflow - the stand enclosed with little ventilation right now.

[Bill S]

Try wiping it down with vinegar. That's what we use on boats - and the residue helps keep it from coming back.

[ShAgMaN]

Try wiping it down with vinegar. That's what we use on boats - and the residue helps keep it from coming back.

The only thing is doesnt the vinegar stink - or does it go away pretty fast? If so I might try that. Thanks.

[Bill S]

The smell will quickly go away. The residue should keep it from growing back.

[wesheltonj]

You might want to wipe it down with bleach. I would not Kilz it until you have corrected the cause.

[ShAgMaN]

You might want to wipe it down with bleach. I would not Kilz it until you have corrected the cause.

To late...but really I just wanted to seal the raw wood. The mold came off easy, it was like dust. The thing is I'm sure it will come back unless I change my set up down there. Its easy to wipe off, but I don’t want to keep doing that. I’m thinking the full enclosure (back is not open like most stand, its custom) may be a big part of the problem. I think I might end up opening one side of the stand for better ventilation.

[jroescher]

I have a problem with mold and mildew forming in my stand also. It too is completely enclosed. I have to leave a door open otherwise everything inside gets wet from all the humidity. When a door is open, the tank runs a few degrees cooler also.

I'm going to cut an opening in the side for a cooling fan, but it's going to ruin the look.