mold or mealy bugs?!

[mpiggy]

URGHHHHHH!

Just when I thought I had one issue almost under control...

In my orchid terrarium, where my masdie was thriving, I started noticing a white mold on some of the plants. Upon further inspection, I think it's a regular mold, but wanted to confirm since I've read mealy bugs look like mold. It is on the wood plank used to secure the lights, and also on some of the leaves. Pictures of both are attached.

Any comments on what this is, how concerned I should be, and what to do about it - would be very appreciated.

[Filb]

I'd say that's definitely mold given the environment.
A telltale way to tell the difference is if the leaves are sticky. The mealy bugs exude a sticky waste called honeydew.

[syndywindy]

Also if they are mealies, if you take a q-tip with some alcohol and touch the white area, mealies will turn brown.

[orchids4me]

Its def mold you need more air circulation in there maybe some computer fans if its a small one but if the tank is biger maybe a few mounted on a board through holes you can make some blow air in and reverse direction on some to blow out to make it circulate in fresh out stale air. Just an idea... Would like to see what others say and how to clean up a mold issue like that.

[Filb]

Originally Posted by orchids4me

maybe some computer fans if its a small one but if the tank is biger maybe a few mounted on a board through holes you can make some blow air in and reverse direction on some to blow out to make it circulate in fresh out stale air.

This is something I've not been able to get my head around. I really would like to use a computer fan to increase circulation...but how do you hook it up to a power source (aka plug in the wall)?

Most computer fans need to run off of a computer power supply unit which can then be plugged into the wall.

How then do you plug in a computer fan directly to the wall? Is there a special adapter that they sell?

Sorry to derail the thread slightly. I've just always wondered this.

[cable]

I've used aquarium cooling fans before, as they tend to be already setup to plug into the wall, and are sometimes a little bit more water-resistant too.

[tom499]

I use a desk fan, you can pick them up cheap usually, just have it on low, and rotating, doesnt need to be close to the orchids, you dont really want their leaves blowing in the wind.

I cant see your set up, but as long as your has gaps for air movement you can aim the fan towards those and it should be sufficient.

computer fans are also possible, I personally failed after a few attempts, and alot of electrical tape.