people who use cypress mulch?

i was wondeirng about mulch. i went to my pet store and bought some but when i added to my tank according to the accurite my humidy was so high all it said was high. i was wondering is this normal with mulch or should i leave it outside to let it dry and then add it back in there or just leave it.
i took it out for now and added back the newspaper. just wondering on your opionions. thanks.

what type of hygrometer are you using?

the moist mulch will naturally raise humidity. it will eventually start drying out and you will have to add water to keep the humidity up.

the mulch will help with humidty a lot more than newspaper will especially in a glass tank.

put it back and leave it for a while(days) and see what the hygrometer says.

i just started using it recently. i think when i first put it in, the hygrometer read in the 70's. not sure tho....

Yes. It raises humidity a LOT when first put in.

I keep an open tub of it handy for regular spot cleanings/changes and use the one in an unopened tub for when I want to jack up the humidity.

Here is what the mulch straight from the bag into the tub will be like. Super humid. LOL.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...s/DSCF0108.jpg

so will the high humidity hurt the snake at first? or will he be alright with it in there for awhile.

It won't really hurt the snake but you don't want it up that high for a long period of time with the snake it in.

Can you increase the ventilation at all?

Quote:

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i went to my pet store and bought some

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Probably paid an arm and a leg for it there.
Next time go to wal mart or something.

I wouldnt worry about it, it dries out pretty quick.

It won't hurt for a short period of time (think of it like being in the wild when it rains high humidity then it dries out - no harm as long as it doesn't last too long)
Two things that I do to speed it up.

1. I layout it out on the cement under the sun (on top of a trash bag) for an hour or so to dry it out.

or.

2. Open the tub (or take the lid of a tank) several times a day for several minutes so the humidity will escape.

oh ill lay it outside on the sun. and i know i did pay a little for it 8 dollars. what kind of mulch is safe from walmart? anyone know of a particular brand?