Humidity question

[hungba]

Ok so I was testing the humidity in the tubs in my newly built rack, and without holes, but a gap between the tub and the wood on top of about 1 to 2mm it was 65%. But then I moved the rack around and accidentally spilt some of the water on to the newspaper and within a minute it went up to 92%!!!

Obviously, we will not deliberately "spill" water, but sometimes snakes may do that. Should I set the humidity with number of holes to the point where it is 60% without any water spilt? Or should I take that into consideration?

[mpkeelee]

It's fine where it is but looking through the tub every morning and a couple times a day should be part of ur routine. try to find some bowls that Wont spill easy.

Also, even if u put holes in the tub and keep the humidity low, when they pee or poop the humidity will shoot up. They will be fine with high humidity while ur sleeping or at work but u should check as soon as u can to avoid it.

[MrLang]

I'm having a similar issue with my new rack. My bumble bee really likes splashing around and as a result he has kept his humidity at 80 to 90 percent pretty consistently. I have 2x screen vents about 4"*4" in the lid. Wondering what the best way to lower humidity in a tub is without sacrificing temps?

[mpkeelee]

Use a drill or sotter(sp?) iron to put holes in the sides. It will help move the humidity out

[hungba]

Yes there is daily maintenance checking but I am just at the stage where I am trying to finish the rack first and decide how many holes to put.

I find that even without spilling, when left overnight, the humidity without holes is at 85%. I know I can tape up holes if I put too many but I want to start with less as I don't want to have something with so much tape on it if possible.

How many holes do you suggest I try first?

[kitedemon]

I'd suggest that there is way to little ventilation. There are documented connections between high humidity and low ventilation and respiratory problems. Humidly should come from the size shape and placement of the water bowl not from the snake's breath. With out proper air flow you are building a petri dish.

I use double rows of 1/4 inch holes 1 inch apart and 1 inch from the top on the ends and a few on the sides.

[hungba]

I am getting really frustrated with this. I had the tub testing and it was too humid in the 80s, so I put more holes in and more holes in I have two rows each now front and back 5 holes per row so 20 holes and the humidity was 65%. THen I tested another tub with NO holes! and it was 60%??? Using the same two hygrometers to double check (digital). The humidity outside the tubs is in the 50s in my house.

[hungba]

I am getting really frustrated with this. I had the tub testing and it was too humid in the 80s, so I put more holes in and more holes in I have two rows each now front and back 5 holes per row so 20 holes and the humidity was 65%. THen I tested another tub with NO holes! and it was 60%??? Using the same two hygrometers to double check (digital). The humidity outside the tubs is in the 50s in my house.

Now I tested another one and it is 56% with no holes! The more holes I put the more humid it is? Even though its drier outside and has a water bowl inside? This is getting really frustrating.

[kitedemon]

Are you leaving the hygrometers long enough? digitals take a long time to stabilize over 30 min analogue ones are faster 10 min.

I personally would not expect to see much more than 10-15% above room norms. Most who use racks keep the room at 60% temps at 80ºF. Basically a rack is a enclosure with a hot spot but isn't easily made into a micro climate. It can be done but it isn't a simple process.

[MrLang]

In case OP or relevant readers are still having issues:

What kitedemon said about humidity coming from the size, shape, and placement of the water bowl stuck with me. This is the first place I've read that. Rather than drill my tubs further (there are already 2 screened in 4"x4" windows on top- 41 qt bins), I decided to attempt moving the water dish instead. I centered it on the cool end where it wouldn't have influence from the UTH. I also moved it from the edges of the tubs so there is a "track" for the snake to move around the outside of the tub without being "forced" to take a swim. A substrate change (aspen) and 24 hours later, my ambient humidity dropped to 61% from what had been 80-90%. I'll take it. Thanks for the advice, kite.