A Problem with the Humidity
So I'm setting up an enclosure for a Colombian Red Tail Boa I'm getting in a couple weeks and I've almost got it perfect. I have it well-decorated with fake plants, some hides, rocks and branches, and it would be ready if it weren't for the fact that I can't get the humidity to stay above 50%. The enclosure has a really big water bowl and I'm using Zoo Med Eco Earth for the substrate. Is there another kind of substrate that is better at keeping high humidity? I'm considering possibly adding some live plants to the terrarium. Are there any easy to take care of plants that would be good for raising the humidity?
Note: this is a melamine enclosure that I made, so it doesn't have a screen top where the humidity could escape easily.
Thanks for any helpful advice you have to offer!
Re: A Problem with the Humidity
I use a mix of eco earth and orchid bark for all my boas ,I found just using eco earth dried a bit to much with the ceramic when it kicks in more with the cold weather outside
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Re: A Problem with the Humidity
You could always try some sphagnum moss
Re: A Problem with the Humidity
If I mist the enclosure twice a day, I can maintain a good humidity, although I am hoping to find a solution to where I don't have to mist so often.
I have heard about using orchid bark along with Eco Earth, I'll make sure to give that a try.
I use the AcuRite electronic thermometer/hygrometers, one at each end of the enclosure.
To heat the enclosure, I use a UTH and a ceramic heat emitter. And yes, I make sure not to make a swamp out of the substrate lol. If I can't get it to stay at a good humidity, I'll probably try some of those plants and hope they don't get crushed haha.
Here's the enclosure:
https://imgur.com/a/Ul2S8
Re: A Problem with the Humidity
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SomeTallGuy
If I mist the enclosure twice a day, I can maintain a good humidity, although I am hoping to find a solution to where I don't have to mist so often.
I have heard about using orchid bark along with Eco Earth, I'll make sure to give that a try.
I use the AcuRite electronic thermometer/hygrometers, one at each end of the enclosure.
To heat the enclosure, I use a UTH and a ceramic heat emitter. And yes, I make sure not to make a swamp out of the substrate lol. If I can't get it to stay at a good humidity, I'll probably try some of those plants and hope they don't get crushed haha.
Here's the enclosure:
https://imgur.com/a/Ul2S8
before i recommend something, what kind of liner are you using? can it withstand semi-standing water?
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Re: A Problem with the Humidity
Quote:
Originally Posted by
enginee837
I you already have a big water dish on the hot side then your best bet is to limit ventillatio until it holds the humidity you want. I would recommend only having ventillation on the cold side. I use melamine enclosures with sliding glass doors. They are 48" long by 24" deep by 12 tall heated with rhp's. Each enclosure has 1 - 2" ventillation insert on the cold side. I use shredded aspen for bedding and a ceramic dog bowl for water on the hot side. With ambient humidity here in Arizona in the mid 30's at best I am able to maintain 55-60% without any misting. When I see snakes going blue I will give a light mist with warm water and it will hold in the mid 70's for a few days.
I have been doing this successfully for over 2 years now and get perfect sheds every time with our bp's, womas and blackheads.
I agree... I use Postal Tape on the outside of my AP Enclosure to cover 1/2 the vents. Im always 58-62%. When its shed time I mist the walls every other day and that brings it to 70/75%.
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