Fluctuating humidity

[MRgrFX]

Hey all,

Wondering if fluctuating humidity is an issue to the health of a BP over time?

Have had a hell of a time keeping the temp/humidity at a constant. Recently moved from the SoCal beach, where humidity was never an issue, to cold New England and have been facing constant temp/humidity issues. First it was trying to figure out how to keep the cage warm enough. Using a 50 watt heat bulb that is on constantly, and the ambient temp below the lamp is high 80s, hot hide 88, but on cold side it's much lower. The cold hide is around 72-78. I've insulated and covered the screen except for light and a 1 inch cutout on cool side. It is a glass tank, which i know puts me at a disadvantage for heat escaping and then the heat lamp drys everything out. so double whammy.
I spray down the cage 1-2 times a day to try and keep humidity up, but it ranges between 40-65 depending on when i spray it down.
Thanks

[thejennabird]

What are you using for substrate? Some substrates, like cypress and cocohusk, will do a much better job of retaining humidity.

[KMG]

I have a 40 gallon tank in a room that's a constant 68F. I have to use a 100 watt che on the warm side and a 60 watt bulb on the cool side to keep my temps correct.

As for the humidity I found that placing moss in the hides fixed my issues without having to keep the entire tanks humidity high. During a shed I keep the moss damp but during regular times I allow the moss to dry out before making it damp again. This benefits the snake directly because the hide is where it will usually stay so it gets the humidity it needs.

[Kata]

I had a battle to get the humidity in Khaleesi's tank where it needs to be. I ended up spending the money to get her a monsoon misting system and it has made a world of difference for her.

[MRgrFX]

Currently have Repti Bark with a base of cypress. Mainly because I wanted to mix it up, but I also just had enough cypress to cover the bottom. It did a good job at keeping humidity but still with heat lamps it drys out quickly. I had all cypress before and it kept humidity but found it dried out faster than I thought. Think I will try the cypress - coco husk combo at next cleaning.

Also going to add some moss in the hides. Suggestions on moss? all the same? Sphagnum?
Will probably have to use two lights too when I upgrade to a larger tank. Could probably benefit from adding a 25 watt in on the cool side now.

Thanks

[onthefritz]

Ive had an issue with keeping my humidity where it needs to be as well, now that its gotten colder and running the heat in our house is sucking out the naturally occurring TN humidity. I discovered recently that a damp towel covering 3/4 of the top has kept my humidity pretty consistent around 65% (give or take a few). If I need to bump up the humidity during shed I just dampen the towel a little more. Seems to be working so far. Good luck!

[kiiarah]

I may have to try this too. I have also noticed that since we started running the heat in the house, any ambient humidity that may have been there before is a thing of the past. I currently have the majority of the screen lid covered by aluminum foil to keep in heat, but I assume a damp towel would trap it as well?