Question about Repti-Bark

[Melluns07]

Hello All,

So the time has come for me to move my BP into a larger enclosure. I have been setting up husbandry in the enclosure for weeks now and making sure temps will be good. So here is my problem. I live in an area of Texas in which the room I keep the snake is has about 40-50% humidity during the summer, during winter it is lower, and I have to mist more. Currently I have been using aspen and during the summer it is fine, but during winter, it is a PAIN IN THE A$$. I have decided to give Repti-Bark a try. Most of the posts I see on it are people complaining about it not being able to hold humidity well. Well I am the weird one that needs to LOWER humidity. With the fresh bag put in the humidity soared to about 72%. I noticed it had moisture in the bag so I assume it came pre-misted. Will this stuff dry out in a few days giving me lower humidity so I can adjust how much I spray to get the levels I need? I usually keep him at about 50-55% and 65-70% during a shed. The new enclosure is an Animal Plastics T8.

[Gio]

It should dry out. Try to keep
Ventilation decent the next few days as that will aid in lowering the condensation in the cage.

[Melluns07]

It should dry out. Try to keep
Ventilation decent the next few days as that will aid in lowering the condensation in the cage.

Perfect, this is what I was assuming, just wanted to double check as we know assuming can end up making you look like the first 3 letters of the word

[Sunnieskys]

I'm not a repti bark fan. It is dirty and it can and will mold. Drives me crazy.

[ElliotNess]

I hate to give them a shameless plug but if you use the Reptile Prime (BHB Stuff) you don't even have to mist it. It literally absorbs any moisture in the air and serious bumps the humidity through the roof....

[Sunnieskys]

Yep. I use reptile prime too! LOVE IT!

[Craiga 01453]

I use a blend of eco earth and repti-bark. Depending on the season I adjust the ratio to better achieve desired humidity.

[Melluns07]

Thank you for all the help.

Currently humidity levels have dropped from 80% to about 70% and are still going down, slowly but surely. I have been leaving the sliding doors open and hit it with a blowdryer last night for a little bit. I did not get the brand from BHB. I believe it is zoo med, not sure. Whatever the super expensive stuff they sell at Petco is, as that was my only option in the time I had. From the sounds of it the BHB stuff is NOT what I need. As I said, I need to LOWER humidity during the summer, spring and fall and have to mist like crazy in the winter. Texas really is a two season state . I decided to use the repti-bark to ease misting in winter. From about March - October my house will be on average at about 35-48% humidity. And I have found that making humidity is a LOT easier than trying to get rid of it. I may try the idea to mix it with eco-earth, I could tell that stuff was dry. I think my plan now is to keep drying the substrate out and if need be I will run a dehumidifier in my room during the humid months. I am pretty sure that stuff just came pre moistened, as the inside of the bag was covered in condensation. I just need to dry it out so I can experiment with how much I spray it to get my desired humidity, does anyone know if I could bake this stuff at low heat to expedite the process? I do NOT want my house smelling like this stuff, especially if it is burned LOL.