Snake rack humidity...

Ok so I got the rack setup finally but the humidity is hanging at 97% after 1.5 hrs of sitting. How do you guys keep the humidity down? Will it hurt my snakes if left for 3-4 hours that way?

What size tubs are you using? You can drill holes into the sides and front of the tubs. I drill mine as close to the top of the tub as possible. how many holes you need varies. Start with 3 to be safe and add more holes if you need them.

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2- 28 quart tubs for my 2 corns. 2- 41 quart tubs for my 2 ball pythons. All holes drilled 4" apart

If you were incubating eggs, I'd say worry about what the gauge is telling you. But since you're referring to the actual snake, I'd say ditch the gauge and keep an eye on the snake. If the tubs are building too much condensation then maybe put some holes in the tub to allow airflow. As long as your snake is shedding fine and they aren't sitting in a damp environment, they should be fine.

I thought so but it is very fresh bedding

I'm going to pop the lids off during feeding tonight. Pics below....
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...8f0484c7fe.jpg
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...d277a385ca.jpg

I am buying some more shelves from the manufacturer for future snakes.

Humidity still at 99% I have no clue what to do to bring it down.

What kind if substrate are you using? Some substrates naturally hold moisture so the combination of substrate and a water can cause really high humidity. I use paper towels as substrate and my humidity can still reach 80 with just the water bowl and I have 30+ holes in my tubs.


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I was using cypress mulch as I always have (in a tank setup). I just switched it to aspen for now until I can dry it out some. I'm not a big fan of aspen though because I always have wood mite issues with it. Humidity is now hanging at 75%.

My other issue now is setting the unit to a good setting. I have it set at 92 degrees with a 2 degree hyperstasis. The ambient tank temp is hitting right at 78 degrees, but the hot spot only reads at 86.1 on top of the bedding. I think it will work for tonight but I'm thinking of a slight increase.

Oh and back to the humidity for a moment.... I removed the water dishes for the moment. I'm getting some smaller ones tomorrow as its 1 am. I also drilled an array of holes in the tops of the tubs. I think I'd rather have to little humidity and have to bump it than too much and run into issues. Any suggestions?

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Originally Posted by Spike89

...but the hot spot only reads at 86.1 on top of the bedding...

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You shouldn't be concerned about the reading on top of the bedding. What is the hot spot directly on the tub above your heat source without any cypress? This is where you should be taking your temperature reading from and making adjustments to the thermostat as necessary. Inevitably, your BP will move the substrate around to their liking and you don't want them reaching unsafe temperatures when they do so.

Do you have a fan in the room? If so simply turn it on to circulate the air which in turn will drop your humidity a bit. If you use a desk fan put it on the other side of the room. Do not point it directly on the tubs. Cypress will always be a bit high when fresh.

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

You shouldn't be concerned about the reading on top of the bedding. What is the hot spot directly on the tub above your heat source without any cypress? This is where you should be taking your temperature reading from and making adjustments to the thermostat as necessary. Inevitably, your BP will move the substrate around to their liking and you don't want them reaching unsafe temperatures when they do so.

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Right... I haven't checked the reading yet the snakes are out and eating at the moment

My tablet had a mind of its own for a second! :rolleye2: Disregard this one.

Ok on the plastic without bedding.....

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...aa71d44a3d.jpg

So too hot... lowering it to 90 with 2 degree stasis.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spike89

My other issue now is setting the unit to a good setting. I have it set at 92 degrees with a 2 degree hyperstasis. The ambient tank temp is hitting right at 78 degrees, but the hot spot only reads at 86.1 on top of the bedding. I think it will work for tonight but I'm thinking of a slight increase.

Oh and back to the humidity for a moment.... I removed the water dishes for the moment. I'm getting some smaller ones tomorrow as its 1 am. I also drilled an array of holes in the tops of the tubs. I think I'd rather have to little humidity and have to bump it than too much and run into issues. Any suggestions?

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Slow down. You are changing things to quick before letting things get settled. Your temps are fine and the amount of holes was probably good too if you would have just allowed the cypress to dry out some.

I would have the bottom of the tub only reach 90. If the substrate does not show the same temp or as close as you would like thin the substrate out over the uth.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spike89

Ok on the plastic without bedding.....

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...aa71d44a3d.jpg

So too hot... lowering it to 90 with 2 degree stasis.

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It may be showing that warm because your substrate is so thick that its insulating and holding the heat. I would thin the substrate and set it to 90 and see what you get.

My wife is questioning the temp guns accuracy as its a National Geographic one.

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Originally Posted by Spike89

My wife is questioning the temp guns accuracy as its a National Geographic one.

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Shoot your AC vent. If it matches the temp you have set your good. I bet its fine.

LOL!!!! A/C always shoots the same temperature whether you have it set to 60 or 80. It's to maintain temperature. An A/C unit doesn't spit out the temperature you are trying to make it it shoots out the same temperature everytime until the thermostat sees it matches what you have set. Same with central heat.

My temps have evened out now I was just freaked out. I got out my trusty automotive gun and shot the tubs with it. I know it's not off. (Better not be for $120) if you want one like it they are not on sale anymore :(

http://www.galco.com/buy/Fluke/FLUKE...H_OhoC4Tzw_wcB

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Spike89

LOL!!!! A/C always shoots the same temperature whether you have it set to 60 or 80. It's to maintain temperature. An A/C unit doesn't spit out the temperature you are trying to make it it shoots out the same temperature everytime until the thermostat sees it matches what you have set. Same with central heat.

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Yes you are correct. I was trying to think of something around the house that has a known temp and in my sleepy state that's what I came up with. I obviously was not thinking clearly.

Lol its cool it just tickled my funny bone. You would be surprised how many people actually don't know that fact.

I was thinking of sticking a thermometer in the freezer and checking it that way but no good. Then my wife reminded me of what she once called my "stupid, unneeded" purchase I made a long time ago when I fixed my car........ not so stupid now huh lol.

You going to switch back to cypress?

I might during the winter when the humidity starts to drop. I have to call before then to have a company blow in some insulation where I'm staying. That room sucks in the winter.

Just remember the fan tip when you do and don't freak out so quickly. When I add fresh cypress I don't do much or worry about the humidity spike. If I get condensation build up I will wipe in out but other than that I leave it be. With the extra holes and a fan I think you will be fine.

Good luck

I use copies mulch as well. I usually at it up in a different tub and let it dry upfor a few days. That way the humidity isn't too bad right away.

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OP this may help as it's how I run my tubs - I put a piece of newspaper in the back of the tub, including over the hot spot, so I can get a read easily on the belly heat. Then I put an 8-12 inch wide band of cypress across the front of the tub along the front/cool side to help keep humidity up, and I just make it a little thicker in the winter when the house air is very dry.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

OP this may help as it's how I run my tubs - I put a piece of newspaper in the back of the tub, including over the hot spot, so I can get a read easily on the belly heat. Then I put an 8-12 inch wide band of cypress across the front of the tub along the front/cool side to help keep humidity up, and I just make it a little thicker in the winter when the house air is very dry.

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Thanks for that advice I'm going to try that as it cools down. Man this setup is already seemingly more hassle free.

That idea also sounds like a really good way to supplement extra humidity during shed when I don't have the chance to soak them or they get a stuck shed.

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Originally Posted by Spike89

Thanks for that advice I'm going to try that as it cools down. Man this setup is already seemingly more hassle free.

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Yeah if I used cypress in the whole tub it would be way too humid in there.