Mold under tank lid

[bluegopher]

Any suggestions for controlling mold growth under tank lid?

With winter arriving and the warmer tank relative to the room temp, there is an increase in condensation underneath my tank lid. Along with the increased moisure, I have noticed some mold growth. The mold is not just growing in areas that are exposed to errant food drops, but rather here and there under the lid.

I am hoping that some of you might have some suggestions for controlling and cleaning the mold without subjecting the tank and fish to harmful chemicals... or do I just need to wipe it down more regularly?

Cheers.

 

[Dangerdoll]

The only thing I could suggest is wiping it with a paper towel or cloth specifically meant for the tank that holds no chemicals at all each time you perform a water change (once a week). Reason being is the condensation that forms on the top lid often drips back down into the water, cleaning with a chemical on this lid can be disastrous. I know of nothing that would keep it dry.

 

[critrcrazy]

I had a similar problem with the glass cover over my tank. On the side next to the water, algae would grow. I just rinse it under the faucet and then wipe it dry when I'm doing my weekly w/c and maintenence.

 

[anonapersona]

Vinegar

I have a small bottle of white vinegar and a safe sponge in my cleaning bucket. Every so often I'll remove the entire lid and wipe it down with vinegar, fish safe and removes crusty buildups as well as mold.

 

[bluegopher]

That sounds like a good solution. I was hoping for something that might help to kill the mold without harming the fish or biocycle. I was afraid of simply spreading the mold and spores by wiping with H2O - vinegar might work a bit better than H2O alone.