New to the forum...what do you think about this setup?

[riprod720]

This is my 55 gallon (long). I basically created a 12"x12" pond with a filter at one end, and the other 36" are dry. I have an 8x12" heat pad under the cage, below the pond...with water temps holding steady at about 78-80F. At the complete opposite dry end, I have another 8x12" under the aquarium, along with a 60w light above to create a basking area, and the temps there are about 90F at the basking spot and about 85F on the ground are which covers about 12x14". The middle area holds steady at 75F where the cool hide is located, and that covers about a 18x12" area. It took me a while to piece this together, but I think it turned out OK. The only problem I am having is with humidity. I have a self made humidifier, and that has allowed me to maintain about a constant 45% level, but I have to constantly spray to get it any higher than that (she is in shed now...female jungle pastel). Any idea's on how to remedy that? Half of the tank, I fabricated a plexy glass cover under the screen to fit, and on the other side, I have a towel covering about half that side ( I don't want to contrict too much air flow). Seems to be good I think, but I am wierd like that trying to always make it better. Thoughts, opinions...idea's?

http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j3...t=3rdsetup.jpg

sorry, I cant get the damn picture to post..

[apple2]

Looks good. Only problem is that I don't see any real hides. The only thing I see is the log arch thing, and that isn't a proper hide. A BP likes to be just a bit smaller than the hide, and be enclosed in it. A log hide won't make it feel secure.

As for humidity, try covering the entire tank with plex and put two screened 1.5" holes, one on each side. This will retain more humidity while still permitting airflow. If you want you could also use some sort of cloth on top of the screen. If you do this you may have to turn down the humidifier though.

[riprod720]

There it is!

[The Serpent Merchant]

Are the UTH's being regulated by a thermostat?

[riprod720]

Looks good. Only problem is that I don't see any real hides. The only thing I see is the log arch thing, and that isn't a proper hide. A BP likes to be just a bit smaller than the hide, and be enclosed in it. A log hide won't make it feel secure.

As for humidity, try covering the entire tank with plex and put two screened 1.5" holes, one on each side. This will retain more humidity while still permitting airflow. If you want you could also use some sort of cloth on top of the screen. If you do this you may have to turn down the humidifier though.

The warm hide is a corner fitted half log (visible in the corner), and the cool hide you can't really see that is under the leaves by the pond (it is completely enclosed, cave type).

[riprod720]

Are the UTH's being regulated by a thermostat?

Not the one under the "pond", but the one for surface level on the warm side is.

[The Serpent Merchant]

The warm hide is a corner fitted half log (visible in the corner), and the cool hide you can't really see that is under the leaves by the pond (it is completely enclosed, cave type).

Most BP's do not feel secure in half log hides as they are too open. Also whith half logs you have to watch out for mold.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Not the one under the "pond", but the one for surface level on the warm side is.

Ok, the other thing that I notched is that I can't see any thermometers/hygrometers in the tank.

[cmack91]

Most BP's do not feel secure in half log hides as they are too open. Also whith half logs you have to watch out for mold.

Yeah ive had a few of those mold on me, get something plastic if you can, those rock type ones are fine

[riprod720]

Most BP's do not feel secure in half log hides as they are too open. Also whith half logs you have to watch out for mold.

OK...thanks for the tip. I will definately look out for mold and the like until i find a replacement. Honestly though, I don't think it could possibley stay moist enough, long enough on that hot side. I do agree on the hidinig aspect of it though...thanks!