Reptichip vs. Reptile Prime for HUMIDITY

I'm using Reptichip for the bp T8 enclosure. But, humidity still seems to be an issue. Sphagnum moss wasn't helping. The lower humidity isn't a big deal for the MBK, in the other half of the T8, but for the ball not so good. She shed yesterday, and has a little stuck shed on the head. No big deal... I'm sure she'll work it out after I misted the substrate heavily and brought the humidity back up.

But... had me thinking... I thought the Reptichip was supposed to be good for holding the humidity. I still have a problem keeping it up. Has anyone used Reptichip AND Reptile Prime to give a comparison? I'm going to finish off the Reptichip. But, should I move to Reptile Prime? A little more expensive, but worth it if the humidity is better kept with that one.

Lol how do you have low humidity with ReptiChips? I had the opposite with that stuff. My cages would get so much condensation in them, you couldnt see anything and i literally had droplets of moisture forming on the roof of my cages. It would last for days. i ended up getting fed up with it and actually went back to aspen which i used for years and never had issues. If i needed something for humidity, ReptiChips would be my second choice as I still love my aspen and my snakes seem to really enjoy the aspen as they burrow all over and 'play' around in it. Plus i can just as easily mist the aspen if i need to bump up humidity for a shed. Contrary to what a lot of people say about aspen molding, i have had ReptiChips and Eco Earth both mold on me, yet never had aspen mold for me. I believe its due to waste material being locked into the substrate and then staying wet. I find aspen easy to spot clean and get everything.

I've never used Reptile Prime but it looks pretty much like a less fine version of Eco Earth. If it is like it, the stuff sucks for baby snakes. I had to hold my surinames' mouth open 2 times and swab Eco Earth out with a Q-Tip and then use a spray bottle and hang her head down and rinse her mouth out. She wasnt very happy as this was our beginning meeting with each other in the first month lol.

Anyways, I'm sure you will get varied experiences with the any substrate and my advice is order a brick of whatever you are interested in and give it a try yourself. If you like it, then ignore everyone else and stick with it. If you hate it, then order something else and give that a try until you find something you and the snakes both seem to like :)

l've never actually used any reptistuff before, but if you want a substrate that's good for keeping humidity, try cocopeat/cocofiber. It's pretty good at holding humidity, it's even better when mixed with other substrates, and in my experience it's pretty cheap. I buy it in bulk at my local gardener's store (because cocopeat/cocofiber also makes a great alternative to soil) for Rp 5,000/US$ 0.36 per kilogram, and it's been doing wonders for me by itself. The only thing about cocofiber that I think is bad is the fact that you probably shouldn't feed your snakes on it, as it gets stuck in mice/rat fur very easily and your snake might end up ingesting some.

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Originally Posted by Tonald Drump

l've never actually used any reptistuff before, but if you want a substrate that's good for keeping humidity, try cocopeat/cocofiber. It's pretty good at holding humidity, it's even better when mixed with other substrates, and in my experience it's pretty cheap. I buy it in bulk at my local gardener's store (because cocopeat/cocofiber also makes a great alternative to soil) for Rp 5,000/US$ 0.36 per kilogram, and it's been doing wonders for me by itself.

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Both ReptiChips and Reptile Prime are coco substrate. One is just bigger chunks of husk while the other is more of a coffee ground consistency. I do agree though that gardening or home improvement stores tend to have it cheaper but you gotta be careful there isnt any added chemicals in it like dyes or insecticide.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Lol how do you have low humidity with ReptiChips? I had the opposite with that stuff. My cages would get so much condensation in them, you couldnt see anything and i literally had droplets of moisture forming on the roof of my cages...

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Exactly my point. Have no idea why it won't hold humidity. Maybe its me, the way I'm using it. Before I used it, it was all completely dry. I've opened and expanded the compressed bricks weeks before even getting the snake. So, it was in a tub drying out. This stuff was completely dry. So, when it came time to put it in the enclosure, I would wet it and mix it around in a smaller tub, then drop into the enclosure. I didn't soak it, just wet it a little. Figuring, that over time I'll mist it inside the enclosure to bring it up to what I'm happy with. So, I'd bring it up to about 60, and the next day it'd be down to high 40's. Spray again, bring it up, next day back down.

Maybe I'm not putting a thick enough layer? I'm putting in only enough to cover the floor. Maybe a little deeper? Should I heavily soak the substrate, and then squeeze out all excess, and then place it in there? Not sure. Will play with it, of course. And, more than likely will also try the Reptile Prime.

How do you prep it before using? How deep a layer?

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Both ReptiChips and Reptile Prime are coco substrate. One is just bigger chunks of husk while the other is more of a coffee ground consistency. I do agree though that gardening or home improvement stores tend to have it cheaper but you gotta be careful there isnt any added chemicals in it like dyes or insecticide.

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Yeah, the stuff I get has the consistency of dirt, the two main reasons I got it was it looks good and it holds humidity. Also, the added chemicals was one of the problems with cocofiber that I forgot to list down. Cocopeat/fiber is very popular as a hydroponic planting media where I live, so I have to be extra careful when looking for it. I suggest for OP to do the same.

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Originally Posted by Charles8088

Exactly my point. Have no idea why it won't hold humidity. Maybe its me, the way I'm using it. Before I used it, it was all completely dry. I've opened and expanded the compressed bricks weeks before even getting the snake. So, it was in a tub drying out. This stuff was completely dry. So, when it came time to put it in the enclosure, I would wet it and mix it around in a smaller tub, then drop into the enclosure. I didn't soak it, just wet it a little. Figuring, that over time I'll mist it inside the enclosure to bring it up to what I'm happy with. So, I'd bring it up to about 60, and the next day it'd be down to high 40's. Spray again, bring it up, next day back down.

Maybe I'm not putting a thick enough layer? I'm putting in only enough to cover the floor. Maybe a little deeper? Should I heavily soak the substrate, and then squeeze out all excess, and then place it in there? Not sure. Will play with it, of course. And, more than likely will also try the Reptile Prime.

How do you prep it before using? How deep a layer?

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You need to soak some of it and then mix it up if that makes sense. Dont soak it all or else you will have a mess lol. The stuff absorbs LOTS of water and will transfer the humidity to itself. So if you have like half of it fairly wet and mix it up together with drier stuff, it will all even out. Once it dries out, you have to add a decent amount of water to get it back to moist. When i used it, i would just push the stuff into a big mountain and then pour a glass or two of water on it and stir it up and then spread it out again. Misting it really wont do much unless you are seriously misting it like crazy.

And like you said, play with it. obviously just misting it wont work for your set up so try the soak and squeeze method. Try the method i suggested with half wet, half damp and mix it all up. When i mixed up batches of it, i would just throw a brick in a big tub and pour a few glasses of hot water on it and let it sit for 15 mins or so, then crumble it up. Then when i got to dry stuff, rinse and repeat with pouring more water glasses on it. The extra substrate i would just put the lid on the tub and put it next to my cage stacks. It stayed damp for weeks.

Get a pitcher of water and pour some into the reptichip in different places in the terrarium. Then mix it up with your hands. I do this every week or two and my bedding holds good humidity. I use prococo, which is very similar to reptichip. Pouring some water and stirring up is much more effective with misting, as the water will sit below the bedding or inside and release humidity longer than just misting the top layer, which dries quickly.

I also have issues with getting the reptichip too wet when I expand it. The last time, I had to sit it in a tub to dry for a few days before using it.. In the past, I've had so much moisture that I've left the sliding glass doors on my AP cages slightly ajar to let it escape.

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Originally Posted by Tonald Drump

Yeah, the stuff I get has the consistency of dirt, the two main reasons I got it was it looks good and it holds humidity. Also, the added chemicals was one of the problems with cocofiber that I forgot to list down. Cocopeat/fiber is very popular as a hydroponic planting media where I live, so I have to be extra careful when looking for it. I suggest for OP to do the same.

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Thanks. I will look into that stuff as well.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

You need to soak some of it and then mix it up if that makes sense. Dont soak it all or else you will have a mess lol...

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Yep. I think I'm going to soak some of the stuff and leave some dry. And control the amount of humidity with "soak more or soak less". I never allowed the water to soak in. I would just hand mix before placing in the enclosure.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

...I also have issues with getting the reptichip too wet when I expand it. The last time, I had to sit it in a tub to dry for a few days before using it.. In the past, I've had so much moisture that I've left the sliding glass doors on my AP cages slightly ajar to let it escape.

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I think I remember reading your issue, with the Reptichip that was too wet. Yes, need to soak some, and do a bit at a time to make sure not to get too crazy.

Thanks, everyone. Going to try all this, and hopefully get this world back in order! :sweeet:

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Lol how do you have low humidity with ReptiChips?

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I'll clue you in on why I have low humidity with it. (I don't know why people are so ignorant on this site...) I live in the South Dakota. It is December. The air gets very dry in the house. This is due to the cold, dry air outside (though at times it can be up to 60% humidity outside). But the outside temps and humidity isn't the problem. Its the inside. And when it is cold outside you run your furnace. That warm, dry air lowers the inside humidity considerably.

When my T8s get cleaned and fresh substrate put in, they maintain good humidity for a while (about 2 weeks in the winter and 4-6 weeks in the summer). But the stuff will start to dry. Combining the RHP in the T8 with the ambient air quality you will end up with dry substrate.

Not everyone uses heat tape. For me that stuff sucked. Did nothing for me. So consider that if someone uses a heat lamp or RHP, that heat will start to dry out your air and substrate. Not everyone lives in fracking Florida. Our homes aren't a constant 80+ degrees at 75% humidity. How anyone lives like that is beyond me. But because I don't I have to do different things to keep my snakes environment optimal.

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Originally Posted by SiXandSeven8ths

I'll clue you in on why I have low humidity with it. (I don't know why people are so ignorant on this site...) I live in the South Dakota. It is December. The air gets very dry in the house. This is due to the cold, dry air outside (though at times it can be up to 60% humidity outside). But the outside temps and humidity isn't the problem. Its the inside. And when it is cold outside you run your furnace. That warm, dry air lowers the inside humidity considerably.

When my T8s get cleaned and fresh substrate put in, they maintain good humidity for a while (about 2 weeks in the winter and 4-6 weeks in the summer). But the stuff will start to dry. Combining the RHP in the T8 with the ambient air quality you will end up with dry substrate.

Not everyone uses heat tape. For me that stuff sucked. Did nothing for me. So consider that if someone uses a heat lamp or RHP, that heat will start to dry out your air and substrate. Not everyone lives in fracking Florida. Our homes aren't a constant 80+ degrees at 75% humidity. How anyone lives like that is beyond me. But because I don't I have to do different things to keep my snakes environment optimal.

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My environment closely resembles yours... dry air, cold, furnace for heat, in the basement. I know the stuff eventually dries out, but it just seemed like it was drying out too quick for me.

You could have the world's best substrate in the world's worst enclosure and it would not matter one bit how well it holds humidity. I have reptile prime in my rosy boa cage and that thing hovers in the low to mid 30%. I need it that way. I have reptile prime in my BPs PVC enclosure and it sits at the upper 60s without trying and I like it that way for his health. His head scales are absolutely stunning and he has no longer has shed issues or dry scales. I do not have mold or bacterial or fungal growth as I keep it from being damp (one of the factors in growing organisms that are bad).

The enclosure, where you live, what you use to heat, and your snake's needs are more influential in the humidity levels than substrate. The only advantage of some substrates over others is how well they handle humid conditions and how little they will mold.

If you environment is dry and cold in the winter or dry and hot in the summer or just plain dry they the enclosure and the air flow you provide is far more important.

I love reptile prime because of how it holds up under conditions and how I do not have to worry about it.


edit: Heating plays a roll as well if you have it too warm, its going to dry things out. Explain how you have your T8 setup and be as detailed as you can. Also provide the humidity and temp of the room you have it in.

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Originally Posted by SiXandSeven8ths

I'll clue you in on why I have low humidity with it. (I don't know why people are so ignorant on this site...) I live in the South Dakota. It is December. The air gets very dry in the house. This is due to the cold, dry air outside (though at times it can be up to 60% humidity outside). But the outside temps and humidity isn't the problem. Its the inside. And when it is cold outside you run your furnace. That warm, dry air lowers the inside humidity considerably.

When my T8s get cleaned and fresh substrate put in, they maintain good humidity for a while (about 2 weeks in the winter and 4-6 weeks in the summer). But the stuff will start to dry. Combining the RHP in the T8 with the ambient air quality you will end up with dry substrate.

Not everyone uses heat tape. For me that stuff sucked. Did nothing for me. So consider that if someone uses a heat lamp or RHP, that heat will start to dry out your air and substrate. Not everyone lives in fracking Florida. Our homes aren't a constant 80+ degrees at 75% humidity. How anyone lives like that is beyond me. But because I don't I have to do different things to keep my snakes environment optimal.

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If you are calling me ignorant, get off your high horse. You have no idea how long ive kept reptiles and amphibians.

The OPs question was why is his stuff not holding humidity for long. I was giving him tips on how to mix it to get the best saturation. You shouldnt have to mist the stuff and misting will do pretty much nothing for it. You have to remix it with a few glasses of water. Even in the winter with heaters running a lot etc, the stuff should hold humidity in a limited airflow cage for at least a week a two.

And i dont remember anyone saying the stuff wouldnt dry out. Thats pretty obvious.

Also an RHP isnt the only thing that will dry it out, heat tapes will too. Pretty much any kind of heat applied to it will via evaporation.

Bottom line is i feel the 'people on this site are ignorant' comment was uncalled for and portrays you on some high horse reptile know it all. Now you might know a lot, you might know jack squat. i am not going to make that call as i dont know you but i will say, i am far from ignorant when it comes to reptiles and amphibians. i have kept them since i was a 12 year old kid almost 35 years ago. There was no t-stats and pvc cages and all the modern stuff now when i was growing up. You kept large constrictors in 2x2 frames with sheets of plywood nailed to them and heat lamps on rheostats. It was like the old west or MacGuyver ingenuity back then lol.

TIL Sauzo is actually older than I am but not by much.

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Originally Posted by SDA

TIL Sauzo is actually older than I am but not by much.

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Lol, yeah im an old coot.

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Originally Posted by Sauzo

Lol, yeah im an old coot.

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Yeah well I am no spring chicken. I think I am only a year younger than you :P

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Originally Posted by sixandseven8ths

i'll clue you in on why i have low humidity with it. (i don't know why people are so ignorant on this site...) i live in the south dakota. It is december. The air gets very dry in the house. This is due to the cold, dry air outside (though at times it can be up to 60% humidity outside). But the outside temps and humidity isn't the problem. Its the inside. And when it is cold outside you run your furnace. That warm, dry air lowers the inside humidity considerably.

When my t8s get cleaned and fresh substrate put in, they maintain good humidity for a while (about 2 weeks in the winter and 4-6 weeks in the summer). But the stuff will start to dry. Combining the rhp in the t8 with the ambient air quality you will end up with dry substrate.

Not everyone uses heat tape. For me that stuff sucked. Did nothing for me. So consider that if someone uses a heat lamp or rhp, that heat will start to dry out your air and substrate. Not everyone lives in fracking florida. Our homes aren't a constant 80+ degrees at 75% humidity. How anyone lives like that is beyond me. But because i don't i have to do different things to keep my snakes environment optimal.

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dingdingdingdingding!!!! We have a winner!
This.
You can use the best substrate in the world, but if the ambient air is dry, and you are constantly heating it, you will still need constant humidity additions. I use a humidifier in the dry winter, in the summer it gets humid, so I just mist the tubs once in awhile.

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Originally Posted by SDA

Heating plays a roll as well if you have it too warm, its going to dry things out. Explain how you have your T8 setup and be as detailed as you can. Also provide the humidity and temp of the room you have it in.

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T8 split into 2 via divider. MBK on one side, BP on the other... effectively making each side 24"x24" floor space. Pro Panel RHP for heat, controlled by a Herpstat 2. On the BP side, temps are 80 on the cool side, 90 on the warm side. Two hides, one on the cool side one on the warm side, and one water bowl (I believe a 5-inch bowl). The enclosure is in my basement, where temps currently average about 71. Humidity in the basement itself is very low... probably low 30's, if not lower.

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Originally Posted by Charles8088

T8 split into 2 via divider. MBK on one side, BP on the other... effectively making each side 24"x24" floor space. Pro Panel RHP for heat, controlled by a Herpstat 2. On the BP side, temps are 80 on the cool side, 90 on the warm side. Two hides, one on the cool side one on the warm side, and one water bowl (I believe a 5-inch bowl). The enclosure is in my basement, where temps currently average about 71. Humidity in the basement itself is very low... probably low 30's, if not lower.

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Well AP cages are pretty low airflow so even a low outside humidity wouldn't drain the Reptichips in a few days or anything. I personally still believe its the just the way you mixed it. Like I said the stuff will soak up an incredible amount of water. Watch the video by Justin Kobylka about how he does his ReptiChips. You will see how much water one block soaks up that he leaves in a big sink. He gives pretty much the same way I do mine except I don't have a huge sink to soak mine in so I use a big tote and just pour a bunch of glasses of water on it.

You pretty much have the same temps as I keep all my snakes at and my basement humidity is probably around 45% or less and as long as I mixed the stuff up right, I was good for weeks on end. I just didn't like the stuff because after a week or so, it started to smell like a swamp in my cages. Especially the retic who pisses all over anyways haha.

I can't believe that it is drying that much. I have mid 30% humidity right now and my pvc is keeping 65% humidity so either you are not preparing the reptichip right or there is something else at play drying it. RHPs simply do not dry out substrate like CHEs do.

Unless you have direct airflow across the T8, there is no reason a RHP should dry substrate at the temps you describe. You could always try another substrate like reptile prime and see how it works for you.

So, what I did today is soak some of the substrate in water in a separate tub. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, to soak in the water. Then. removed some substrate from the enclosure, and replaced with this more damp one. After about 30 minutes, humidity shows up at 71%. Being that my girl has some stuck shed on her head anyways, if the humidity stays up there, hopefully it helps. I'll see what its like tomorrow.

Maybe the problem with the humidity is that I never really soaked it. Well, I did to uncompress the brick, but then let it dry out completely. So, we'll see if this helps out.

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Originally Posted by Charles8088

So, what I did today is soak some of the substrate in water in a separate tub. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, to soak in the water. Then. removed some substrate from the enclosure, and replaced with this more damp one. After about 30 minutes, humidity shows up at 71%. Being that my girl has some stuck shed on her head anyways, if the humidity stays up there, hopefully it helps. I'll see what its like tomorrow.

Maybe the problem with the humidity is that I never really soaked it. Well, I did to uncompress the brick, but then let it dry out completely. So, we'll see if this helps out.

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I'm glad that seems to be working for you. I actually added water to some of my cages yesterday and stirred up the substrate to soak it up. I think you'll be fine if you repeat what you did on a weekly basis. Good luck!