Mold... it's going to rule the world someday. + Questions.

So I have been fiddling with my crested gecko's enclosure a lot, and I have been trying to make it more naturalistic and better for him.

But I have been having a huge problem with battling mold. It gets all over my driftwood in there and I need some suggestions on how to eliminate it.

I Want to eventually do a bioactive vivarium for him when he is full grown and I have researched the subject more. I have it all fake plants in it right now as he is still tiny (3-4" and 11 months old).

Also, is there such a thing as too much leaves? I have a ton of leaves but I don't want to overwhelm him (sorry if that sounds dumb, I'm still a bit new to Geckos).

So If there were some more experienced crested Gecko keepers out there that could lend me a hand and answer some of my questions that would be greatly appreciated.

Photos:
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Thank You in advance!

Ventilation is the key to stopping mold, you need good ventilation.

Hmm, well unfortunately his tank doesn't have the best ventilation, as it is a ten gallon tank flipped on its side. But I will try that.

Thankfully I have eliminated the mold problem a few months ago but, ever since I added a golden pothos plant to it and My Mistings has led to having a huge pool of water to acclimate at the bottom of the tank each night.

So I have been draining out and replacing the paper towels every other day but it's becoming quite a mess. So Any suggestions for a better substrate that Holds water more without causing a watery mess at the bottom of the tank?

On the bright side Gizmo seems to be growing more and also loves his tank, He is always climbing up somewhere and really seems to be thriving.