roach chow getting moldy :/ *pics*

[ash0587]

So I tried doing the roach hut set-up for my roach colony-to-be (still nymphs), and today when I checked on the food status (haven't looked in a week or so since it was still at a good level), it was moldy! I'm not quite sure on reasons for this since its dry kitten chow so I'm looking to others here to help me out. I was thinking maybe too much humidity due to the size of the opening, but I didn't want too much heat to escape. below are pictures of the top of my bin and my food container. unfortunately lazy me has not gone to get a probe thermometer so I couldn't tell you the exact humidity of the bin

food/water crystal container. food in far right, crystals in middle

top of container

 

[Claudiusx]

You might not have enough ventilation.

What is your humidity at?

-Brandon

 

[JDRoaches]

You should make a bigger screen opening. The holes I cut in 35 gallon bins are about 9 x 9. Also, make sure the dry food never makes contact with your water crystals of any wet food. The last thing you can try is to not put more food in the container than they will eat in 3 or 4 days for dry food, and 1 day for wet food, veggies, fruits, etc...

 

[ash0587]

not sure what my humidity was because I still havent made the trip to lowes to get a temp/humidity reader and I only have a temp gun for Emmy's enclosure.
I was guessing that it was a ventilation issue, just wondering if maybe you guys would think of something else that could be wrong with the setup.
I was kind of thinking it could've also been from the roaches going directly from water crystals to food and getting the food wet.
I'll cut a bigger opening and I'll put less food in (when I start a new colony) and see how that works out. I found what I'm guessing is fruit fly larvae in the bottom of the bin so I'm just gonna feed off what I've got (since they're all still pretty small) and next time buy adults and deal with getting over the squimishness.

Thanks for the help guys

 

[rdoyle]

I would but less food in frist. then if that does not work try the more vent holes

 

[Carnivorouszoo]

I clean out the dry food every 4 days, fresh foods every 3 days and water crystals when they turn brown. I don't have any mold issues with this method. perhaps try it?