New BP owner questions

[Dawgfan247]

Hey guys.

Ill go go ahead and say thanks for all the tips and tricks I've already read on here. Been a huge help over the past couple days.

Ok, so. As the title says, I'm a new owner to a young pastel ball python, Rafi. Brought him home two days ago after getting the tank all set up (yeah I know tubs are easier and cheaper but I like I good challenge I guess). It's 20 gal, I've got it somewhat cluttered so it doesn't feel too big for him. Two small hides on each side along with a water bowl on each side (hot side one for humidity help). Using a Che for ambient heat right now (possibly looking into getting a rhp soon), an uth that isn't on until I get my thermostat, about 2 inches of aspen bedding, one of the digital thermometer/hygrometers from Walmart with the probe on the hot side and the device itself on the cool side. I took the advice from another thread and did the foil and duct tape on the screen with about 3 inches open on the cool side. Right now the hot sides ambient temp is between 85 and 88 depending on time of day( warm days in Georgia have started) with the cool side 77-80.

So, I have my hygrometer on the cool side and it's staying between 61-71 with misting in the morning and before bed. But I have the cheapo zoo med thermometer/hygrometer still on the hot side of the tank and at the same time the cool side reads 61%, the hot side reads about 46-48%. The temperature on the cheapo is pretty close to my probes reading but which sides humidity is the most important? I figured with the gap on the screen on the cool side and the Che on the hot side that the readings would be similar. Possibly just the cheapo being inaccurate

Also, I have a little log from the pet store propped between the front and back of the tank with some fake plant material at the top for a little cover between hides. He was very active when I first put him in just checking the place out and trying to get out of course. But now he really just sits on the top of the log amongst the fake plant material about two inches from the top of the tank. He has used his cool hide a little bit but hasn't even gone in his hot hide. It's really dark and to the back of the tank where he's hanging out but I'm just making sure it's somewhat normal.

Also would love any suggestions on keeping humidity stable for extended periods of time. I work long hours and I can't really keep an eye on him every hour and I'm actually going to be gone for two days for a wedding next weekend (gonna be stressed out that weekend).

Thank you!

[LittleTreeGuy]

Welcome, and congratulations!

It sounds like you're on the right path, so that's a good thing. It won't be uncommon to have a difference in your humidity from one side of the tank to the other. If you can keep the lowest above 50%, I think your bp will be fine. With a screened top, even sealed, that will always be a battle though. Sealing it off like you have done is the best way for a screened top. Something else you can try is to put some sphagnum moss in a bowl and wet it down. It will generally stay moist for a while and slowly release moisture into the air, helping with your humidity. You can also look into making a "humid hide"... or when you snake starts to go into shed, just put a damp paper towel into his hides... that will help keep the humidity high in the area your snake is in.

[Dawgfan247]

Ok so I'm not sure why I didn't try this in the first place. Guess the cheapo is really off.
https://imgur.com/a/qL2L0