I got mold growing underneath a big piece of bark I put in my N.Chromatus' tank. This was after I subjected above mentioned piece of bark to extreme microwaving - evaporising all moisture and all forms of life on/in it!
I hate putting fake plastic trees in my tank, but it seems anything wood is prone-ish to molt and rot :sick:

One of the best plants to use can be found in almost every garden in SA. Have a look at THIS page. Also, search this forum for "Hen and Chicks"... this topic has been flogged to a pulp on many occasions.

Mould is a result of humidity combined with temperature. It can not be permanently prevented through sterilisation because its spores are airborne. Microwaving any decor is a waste of micro waves, because the enclosure will be contaminated with trillions of both healthy and unhealthy organisms once you introduce a spider, cricket, roach or any other prey item.

Tarantulas, or any other pet you can imagine, can cope with various organisms in their environment. There are symbiotic relations between these and can not be altered by the keeper (unless the keeper can alter evolution/creation). Admittedly, parasitic relations also exist, and this is what needs to be managed and controlled. (Note, never did I use the word "prevented"). If a Tarantula enclosure is kept clean and free of left overs and poop, the likelihood of exploding populations of pathogens is reduced. Every single item you use to create a pleasing environment for the spider SHOULD be biodegradable, the tempo at which this happens MUST be managed properly (and yes, rocks are biodegradable to). Keeping a spider in a sterile set up is impossible, so why try to achieve this?

In Aquaculture we were taught: "Keeping fish is only managing water." The same principle applies to keeping spiders... Manage its environs and the spider will be healthy.

So where were we... :blush:

If you find excessive mould in your tanks, they most likely are too wet. For most species you can keep the substrate dry if you introduce a water bowl. Alternatively a live plant, but see that you don't over-water it or you'll attract mould again...

It's always a good idea to introduce some isopods to your enclosures. They help to keep them clean and even provide an occasional snack for your T's.

Wood chips are a very bad option. They can cause ulcers/infections on a tarantulas abdomen expeacially a heavy T such as T.blond, T.Aopophysis, L.parahybana since there abdomens are heavy and tend to drag. The best plant in my opinion is potho or golden potho...I have grown these without light for a period of over a year and have been using them for over 22 years. Mold is also caused by stagnent air or poor air circulation, I have a air exchanger and air purifier with a 22" hepa filter and I hardly ever have mold. Isopods are a great addition since they will eat mold/decaying plant matter and leftovers from the T. Only use isopods in a humid/moist tank. I get ALL of my decor from the woods and rinse it with high pressure thej bake the pieces at 350 for 15 mins a side depending on the size of the piece.

Here are the plants I use as well as the moss.

@marula: where would I be able to obtain isopods, are there any preferred species and is there any size limitations as to the tarantulas that you plan on keeping them with?

Thanks for the advice @Scarab & RobC. I like the look of the forest moss will check for it in the pet shops around me. And check for both those plants at the local nursary.

I would also like to know more about those Isopods Marula.