Tank Shed

[Valrie87]

Hi All!

This will be Cashew's 3rd shed since he came home with me. I feel like his tank is at optimal settings but the last two shed have been "bad" shed with some stuck shed on his lower parts and even on his head. So, I'm curious how you create the best environment for perfect sheds in a tank. I live in Colorado so, it's already drier than a bag of sand here. I am checking his humidity every morning and making sure it is actually a bit more humid that recommended... 80-90% as I lose a lot of humidity during the day.

I'm determined for this shed to come off in one piece! He went into blue yesterday so, I still have some time to adjust things. Any suggestions welcome!

Here is how we are set up now.
-2 CHE on 2 thermostats
-1 UTH on the same thermostat as 1 of the CHE
-Coconut fiber
-3 hides
-2 plants
-2 water bowls

[AnnieHeart]

Hello!

What substrate are you using?

[Craiga 01453]

Hello!

What substrate are you using?

Coco fiber

[Craiga 01453]

I would add a much larger water bowl. Or a few more smaller ones. Water in the air, not the substrate, is key. You want a substrate like coco fiber to hold humidity, but not to provide humidity. So you're good there. But more water that will evaporate into the air will help.

Why two CHEs? That's gonna dry things out like crazy.

Also, I would use damp, not wet, sphangnum moss in their hides to create a humid hide.

[Lord Sorril]

+1 Everything Craig Said - definitely need a larger water bowl

Also, I would recommend locking clips for the top of the enclosure--I've seen a lot of peeps with snakes that have scratches on their head from getting pinched.

[Valrie87]

Thanks! I could probably get rid of one of the CHE now. In the winter, my house gets super cold so the UTH alone was not keeping the warm side warm enough. I'll try without for a few days now that we are in spring/summer. Thanks for the suggestion!

[Craiga 01453]

Thanks! I could probably get rid of one of the CHE now. In the winter, my house gets super cold so the UTH alone was not keeping the warm side warm enough. I'll try without for a few days now that we are in spring/summer. Thanks for the suggestion!

Yeah, the less artificial heat the better. Ditching one will most certainly help your humidity.

It's cold in my house in the winter too. But rather than add more heat, I retain the heat by wrapping my glass enclosures (back, sides and top) in 1/2" foam board insulation. It helps immensely with heat and humidity control. You can paint it and take your time putting it together and it looks aesthetically pleasing.
Just an idea for you. These cold weather states don't make it easy on us when it comes to our snakes!

[Valrie87]

Nice!! I love that idea. Yeah, I struggled with heat during the winter months. Glad you have an awesome recommendation!

[Craiga 01453]

Nice!! I love that idea. Yeah, I struggled with heat during the winter months. Glad you have an awesome recommendation!

I feel your pain! I'd be happy to help you out when/if you decide to go that route. It's really easy and if I remember correctly it costs less than $15 for a 4'x8' sheet. I was able to do a 40 breeder, a 20 long and my little 10 gallon with 2 sheets and had extra. I'm sure it paid for itself with the electric bill, but definitely was worth every penny regardless.

[Valrie87]

So, my new question after turning off the CHE over the side with the UTH...

That side is now going to be the cool side and the other side with switch to the warm side with the CHE on top of the tank. Is that going to be bothersome for Cash or will he just figure it out?