Considering switching from glass tank to PVC, but had some questions.

[Nodnarb3do]

I'm leaning towards replacing me Exo Terra vivarium with an AP T3.

My biggest concern is humidity. I know that immediately PVC will help a lot compared to my current glass setup, but it still worries me. Right now I have a humidifier with a hygrometer just to keep it to 50. I tried water dishes alone (four of them), and I couldn't keep it above 35%. So without a humidifier (I'd like to sell it with the vivarium), what would my humidity increasing options be? I understand several water dishes with radiant heat panels tends to suffice, but it concerns me and I wanted to ask people who know more about setups than I.

The AP site says you can get a White Fluorescent Fixture, to anyone's knowledge are their IR lights that will fit this setup?

From what I read in the PVC setup thread, if I plan to use a thicker substrate, I should use radiant heat panels rather than flexwatt. I've seen a few prices, but wanted to ask what someone thinks I'd end up paying for this? I don't plan to use a divider, as I only have one animal.

I appreciate all the help.

For kicks, here is a pic of my current setup.

[Reinz]

Welcome to the forum.

I have the exact same tank, no humidifier.

I use Eco-earth (coconut husk), and foil top panels in the screen.

Humidity is NOT a problem. I can usually keep it at 60% no problem by pouring a qt of water on the hot side once a week and a pt on the cool.

However I ran into a problem as stated on another thread in that my adult snake kept splashing all of her water out of her bowl for a month.
The humidity shot up to 80 +. So for the last 3 weeks I've had 3 of the top foil panels off to regulate the humidity back to 60%.

I bought this tank before knowing about PVC.
My next enclosure for my new non planned rescue Boa will be a PVC. HOWEVER, as long as this glass reptile one is working, it's a keeper.

[Nodnarb3do]

Might be where you live then, because I use Eco Earth coconut fiber as well, and the humidity is a nightmare.

[AnnaK231]

I think it would make a huge difference as you won't have a screen top to deal with. That's the main problem, getting a screen top to be sealed with tinfoil or something else is a struggle. I've got a 55 gallon glass fish tank, have 90% of the top covered in foil, a large water dish half under the lamp and moss in a few Dixie cups and my humidity ranges from 50-60%.

Is that thermometer reading 97 degrees? If so, that's too hot.

[GoingPostal]

I have several pvc tanks and with a water bowl my gauges read around 60% normally, even now in winter time. I did add a humidifier recently for my Herps that needs high humidity but it's never been an issue for my ball python even with a heat lamp in a large cage. Ideally a heat panel and/or under tank heater only would be best, heat lamps will suck so much moisture out but needed in my cold house to keep temps correct in his cage. Price is going to depend on what company, size, accessories but seems like 3-400 is the norm for a pvc setup complete.


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[Nodnarb3do]

It is, but I have three different temperature guages on that side. The thermostat connected to my lamp says 89 right now, and the temp gauge I have inside of it says 84.

Yes, I am planning to get a temp gun because these cheaper options are getting ridiculous.

[Nodnarb3do]

As to price, I reread that and saw it wasn't very clear. I meant how much for the radiant heat panels if I go that route.

[D1C]

I've got a T8. Low humidity isn't an issue for me, high humidity is sometimes. Especially when you put fresh mulch in, the moisture fogs up the glass. I got 2 40 watt RHP from reptile basics for $64 each(I use the divider).

You should have no humidity issues at all

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[AnnaK231]

It is, but I have three different temperature guages on that side. The thermostat connected to my lamp says 89 right now, and the temp gauge I have inside of it says 84.

Yes, I am planning to get a temp gun because these cheaper options are getting ridiculous.

That is a little ridiculous. I'm hoping the acurite one I got from walmart holds up for a bit.

If you type radiant heat in the search bar up towards the top of the page you may find some threads on it.

[Reinz]

Might be where you live then, because I use Eco Earth coconut fiber as well, and the humidity is a nightmare.

The humidity in the house runs 38-40%

Unless it is a very cold day for East Texas, in the 20s/30s all day (uncommon) and the heat runs all day. Then of course the humidity will drop significantly.