Trouble stabilizing humidity and keeping it up

[sarahp26]

I just got a ball python. She's a baby and is absolutely perfect. I did all my research on how to take care of one, but reading and doing are two very different things. I am currently having trouble keeping the humidity up and stabilizing it. I've had her for about three days and I keep her in a plastic tub that is about 2' by 1', and is about a foot tall. I currently have a large water bowl (the guy at the exotic pet store, picked the size out) sitting on top of my UTH, regularly mist the tank, and I also have a humidifier on blast in the room the snake is kept. I could really use some suggestions on how to fix this as it is giving me extreme anxiety because I want her to be comfortable, safe, and well taken care of. I'm literally on the brink of a panic attack, please help. Right now the heat is about 92, with a humidity of 52% tank was just misted and I guarantee it'll go back down)

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I am also using paper towels as substrate and would prefer not to change this.

[M.P.C]

How are you measuring the humidity, tubs are crazy simple to build and keep humidity in so its odd your having such trouble

[sarahp26]

I'm using a "Vivarium Electronics Th-100", it measures temp and humidity. I think it's weird that I'm having this much trouble with humidity too considering most everyone I've spoken too says glass is harder to control.



I did just move the water bowl so that it is completely sitting on the mat, not just half sitting on the mat, and that seems to be helping.

[Sauzo]

Do you have too many holes drilled in the sides of the tub? I'm assuming you didn't drill the holes in the top of the tub as that would just let the humidity out instantly. Generally drill the holes on the sides down an inch or so and only drill enough until you get the humidity you want. If you look at a lot of the PVC cages, you will notice for the size of the cages, there is very little slits, holes etc. Its about controlling the air flow. Also what I use for my glass tanks is I take 3 sheets of paper towels and fold them up so it makes one thick one. Then I run it under the sink to soak it and let it drip dry the excess water. Then I lay them on top of the hides. That combined with a large water bowl and I can hit 70% in 40g breeders. Personally to me from the size of the tub, you have too much air flow in it, that's why you are having such a hard time.

Oh and this is all assuming you are not using a rack which in that case, you don't need to drill any holes as the small gap between the tub and rack roof will be plenty of air flow.

[sarahp26]

I think I have figured it out. I think the tub just needed a few days to stabilize (which i should've done prior to getting her, I just jumped the gun a little) and I needed to move the water bowl over the heat more. My tub now stays at 61% pretty consistently. My only concern now is the condensation on the sides of the tank. How much is too much?

[LittleTreeGuy]

Can you post a picture of your setup. Something just sounds off to me. If you're having a hard time keeping humidity in check, and it's only at 61%, I'm surprised you have any condensation at all in there. A picture would really help.

[sarahp26]

I don't know how to upload a picture to here. There are five small holes on each side about 2 inches from the top of the tank. Obviously no holes on the lid. It's a pretty standard set up


It doesn't seem to be bothering her, as she shed in one piece the first night she got here and I am currently watching him gobble down a mouse. I did want to know if condensation is dangerous though. How much is too much?

[Sauzo]

If you have condensation on the sides, then you need to add a couple holes. Add 1 hole and let the humidity stabilize. Keep doing that until you get it perfect. The problem with the condensation is high humidity is breeding grounds for bacterias, molds and fungus. Not to mention sitting on damp/wet stuff 24/7 is just asking for scale rot.