40 Gallon Breeder Tank Humidity Question

[Ball2Drop]

I've read a lot on this forum about this and decided to fix my 20-20% humidity issue... I liked the tinfoil method but knew that if I just did the foil I would eventually tear it up and it would be in a constant state of repair. (I also would like it to be a little bit better looking.) So, here is what I did... Please feel free to comment with your ideas or suggestions! I realize there are a hundred ways to do things, this is just what I did. I took some ridged cardboard and cut it to fit on the inside edge of the screen cover. I then traced out the center where the light fixture goes and a circle where the ceramic heat lamp goes. I then covered the underside with HD foil. On the top I cut and placed black poster-board and sealed the edges with "Gorilla" brand duck-tape. (Only because it's black in color and would look better than silver. IMO) See photos below. It helped raise the humidity from the 20's to 45%. It has been holding right at 45% for the last 2 days since completing this project. Any suggestions on how or, IF I need to bump up the level to 50-55%? Or, just wait for him to shed and decide? One note; I did not use any clear plastic under the center light so I think some humidity might be escaping there, although it does fit tight into the cardboard so I don't think a lot is getting out... The only other uncovered area is where the ceramic lamp is. Do you guys/gals think sealing that center area up with some clear plastic of some sorts will get me that extra 10% I'm needing? TIA!!!

[daniel1983]

In most reptile enclosures, you need water and heat to create moisture through evaporation.

Ideas:

1. Move water bowl closer to the heating element the higher temper will cause higher evaporation rate; therefore, humidity is increasing.
2. Add an additional water bowl. More water equals more moisture.
3. Lose the aspen bedding and swap it with coarse coco fiber. Aspen can almost act like a desiccant and doesn't retain a lot of moisture. Coco mulch will hold moisture much better.

Try those....if they don't work....I will think of a few more for you.

Oh....and with an increase in humidity that cardboard is going to get trashed. Get some plastic to replace it. A large sterilte tub top would work or you can get some plexiglass/lexan from home depot and cut it to fit in the screen area.

[Ball2Drop]

Great ideas daniel1983! Thank you so much!


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[Macropodus]

40 Gallon Breeder Tank... helped raise the humidity from the 20's to 45%...

Where is the humidity 45%? We have 3 forty gallon breeder tanks, dimensions 36" x 18" x 18" (we assume your tank is of the same dimensions). The humidity on one side is significantly different from the humidity 3' away on the other side. Just as there is a temperature gradient there is a humidity gradient as well.

[Ball2Drop]

Where is the humidity 45%? We have 3 forty gallon breeder tanks, dimensions 36" x 18" x 18" (we assume your tank is of the same dimensions). The humidity on one side is significantly different from the humidity 3' away on the other side. Just as there is a temperature gradient there is a humidity gradient as well.

Middle of the tank half way up. You can see the sensor above the half log hide below the yellow temp display. So, do I want a humidity gradient or try and raise it throughout the tank? Thanks for your reply!


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[daniel1983]

Middle of the tank half way up. You can see the sensor above the half log hide below the yellow temp display. So, do I want a humidity gradient or try and raise it throughout the tank? Thanks for your reply!


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A gradient with humidity is good. Gradients are natural. The surface may be dry, but a burrow or under a log is probably damp. If you want to gradient humidity, make a humid hide those work great too.

[Ball2Drop]

Awesome, thanks Macropodus!


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[Macropodus]

Middle of the tank half way up. You can see the sensor above the half log hide below the yellow temp display. So, do I want a humidity gradient or try and raise it throughout the tank? Thanks for your reply!

Oh yes I see the sensor now, thanks for pointing that out. We use the same kind in our tanks.

I'll let you decide whether or not you want a humidity gradient &/or to raise it throughout the tank. I will say though that your snake will probably never be in the "middle of the tank half way up." Check it at different ends of the tank right on top of the substrate.

[Ball2Drop]

Will do.


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