So Darwin is growing quite quickly, but I have few questions.
His plastron is over two inches long now, and there is some obvious growth on his shell. I had a little bit of pyramiding but was able to head it off pretty quickly an any recent growth is pretty good. My main question though is I know that at one point I can quit simulating his moist and humid environment, but at what age should I do this?
Also, has anyone had any issues with allergies and peat moss? The past few weeks my arms have been breaking out and the other days my eyes started to swell. I know it is made out of moss, which can hold allergens. I lit up like a christmas tree when they tested for my allergies, too and I know I'm very allergic to a lot of stuff. I'm also afraid mold may be growing in the soil causing my allergies.
One last question regarding the substrate. Today I noticed small bugs crawling around in the plant I have in the cage and just a couple in the substrate itself. They seem to be small gnats which use mold as a means of reproduction, but there is no obvious mold in the tank. I could be wrong on the species of insect as well. I am getting new peat moss ASAP, but is this a problem any of you have had to face? I know my area of the USA is especially icky with bugs and sometimes its hard to get rid of them. I'm also afraid of a return of the bugs as well.
His plastron is over two inches long now, and there is some obvious growth on his shell. I had a little bit of pyramiding but was able to head it off pretty quickly an any recent growth is pretty good. My main question though is I know that at one point I can quit simulating his moist and humid environment, but at what age should I do this?
Also, has anyone had any issues with allergies and peat moss? The past few weeks my arms have been breaking out and the other days my eyes started to swell. I know it is made out of moss, which can hold allergens. I lit up like a christmas tree when they tested for my allergies, too and I know I'm very allergic to a lot of stuff. I'm also afraid mold may be growing in the soil causing my allergies.
One last question regarding the substrate. Today I noticed small bugs crawling around in the plant I have in the cage and just a couple in the substrate itself. They seem to be small gnats which use mold as a means of reproduction, but there is no obvious mold in the tank. I could be wrong on the species of insect as well. I am getting new peat moss ASAP, but is this a problem any of you have had to face? I know my area of the USA is especially icky with bugs and sometimes its hard to get rid of them. I'm also afraid of a return of the bugs as well.