TropicAire/thermostat probe questions

I have a 40 gal glass terrarium with one 18" ball.

First off, I have a TropicAire humidifier/air exchanger, and the instructions say to completely cover the screen terrarium lid. I covered all but 9x2 space because I didn't quite trust it. The temperatures and humidity seem to be holding well so far, but is it safe to have so much of the lid covered, even if the humidifier is an air exchanger? I also have a Zoo Med ReptiTemp 500R thermostat probe running into the tank through a small hole in the open space. The ball likes to sometimes wrap himself around the probe cord (it's secured though) and either just hang there or nose around the uncovered screen.

Which goes to my second question. Is there a danger of electrocution with him wrapping around the thermostat probe cord? The water dish isn't near it, but he could drag himself through the water and then up the cord. Should I somehow secure it so he can't wrap around it?

Thanks in advance.

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Originally Posted by Nightmare

I have a 40 gal glass terrarium with one 18" ball.

First off, I have a TropicAire humidifier/air exchanger, and the instructions say to completely cover the screen terrarium lid. I covered all but 9x2 space because I didn't quite trust it. The temperatures and humidity seem to be holding well so far, but is it safe to have so much of the lid covered, even if the humidifier is an air exchanger? I also have a Zoo Med ReptiTemp 500R thermostat probe running into the tank through a small hole in the open space. The ball likes to sometimes wrap himself around the probe cord (it's secured though) and either just hang there or nose around the uncovered screen.

Which goes to my second question. Is there a danger of electrocution with him wrapping around the thermostat probe cord? The water dish isn't near it, but he could drag himself through the water and then up the cord. Should I somehow secure it so he can't wrap around it?

Thanks in advance.

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Well first off why do you have this air exchanger?Second thier is no electrical current going thru the probe.

A 9"x2" opening is enough ventilation for your snake without an air exchanger. I'd be more worried about making sure that small snake feels secure in such a large tank. I hope you have plenty of hides for him.

I use the TropicAire also. Mine also loooooved to climb and wrap around the hose of the humidifier and the probe.


No worries. No current in the probe and as long as he doesn't pull hard enough to tip over the water (from inside the tank) you're good to go. You need ventilation, but not 9x2. Two pieces in opposite corners about the size of a 50cent piece would be enough.

I would make sure you have extra hides. Only 18" in a 40g is a lot of room for such a smaller sized snake.

Thanks for the info everyone.

@joepythons - I had to get a humidifier because I was constantly having to mist, but it's also called an air exchanger. I'm not quite sure what that means though. And thanks, if it's not electric I'll just leave it.

@PythonWallace - Thanks, I'll leave it be then. I was worried about the size once I put the snake in, but he doesn't seem shy or nervous, so I'm hoping it's okay. He has two hides at the moment, but I plan on getting at least two more. The ones he has now aren't very snug anyways.

@sweety314 - That's exactly what he does, haha. Since it's safe, I think I'll leave the space as it is for now, because the humidity and temps are holding correctly, but I'll keep that info in mind. I'll be sure to get some more hides since there is a lot of extra room.

:thumbsup: good. Just keep an eye on him. As long as he eats and sheds, and now w/the humidifier the temps and humidity are good, then you're good to go. :)

be careful pumping moist air into the tank constantly!


too much moisture can be just as bad if not worse than too dry.

they don't have to be humid 24/7, 365 days a year.

keep an eye out for mold,mildew,fungus!!


vaughn

@kavmon - Thanks, I didn't really think of that. Once he's tame I'll probably routinely unplug the humidifier while he's out of the tank so it can air out. Hopefully that'll turn out okay.