Glass Tank- Humidity/Substrate tips?

[Hannahvh]

Hello again!

I feel I ask too many questions on here, but am still trying to find the perfect set up for my BP!

I have decided to switch my 2 year old BP to a glass tank after experiencing several difficulties with the plastic tub (the bottom warped and separated from the UTH even though it is regulated by a Zilla thermostat with the probe between the UTH and bottom of tub and me checking regularly with a Temp Gun). I might just be unlucky, but the plastic tub just doesn't seem to be working out and I'd rather have something sturdier and longer-lasting.

With that said, I was offered a great deal on a basically brand-new Exo Terra 36x18x18 tank (was only used for like a month before the owner switched to a rack system with more BPs).

Firstly, any tips on sterilizing a used tank? I read running it under hot water with Dawn dish soap(??) and using herp-safe tank cleaner, but has anyone ever had experience with this? I was also thinking to spray it down with MiteSpray just in case?

Next, any tips on keeping the humidity up? I am thinking to use something to cover the screen top- what material do you recommend? Plastic, cardboard, foil tape? Should I also try covering the sides of the tank with something to hold in humidity and heat? I have Foil Tape, which I was wondering would work to just completely cover the screen with a gap for her CHE?

And lastly, I want to switch substrate. I am currently using the Forrest Floor substrate (100% cypress), which I like the chunky texture off, but I've noticed it becomes extremely dry after like a week with the CHE and UTH. I was thinking a combination of like Eco Earth and Cypress? But I'm worried with the dusty Coco fiber to be accidentally inhaled or something? What's your favorite?

Recommendations would be great! Thanks all!

[Animallover3541]

I use a mix of white vinegar and water to clean all my herp tanks. It'll take care of hard water stains and sanitize the enclosure; make sure you rinse it all off though!

[Craiga 01453]

Hello again!

I feel I ask too many questions on here, but am still trying to find the perfect set up for my BP!

I have decided to switch my 2 year old BP to a glass tank after experiencing several difficulties with the plastic tub (the bottom warped and separated from the UTH even though it is regulated by a Zilla thermostat with the probe between the UTH and bottom of tub and me checking regularly with a Temp Gun). I might just be unlucky, but the plastic tub just doesn't seem to be working out and I'd rather have something sturdier and longer-lasting.

With that said, I was offered a great deal on a basically brand-new Exo Terra 36x18x18 tank (was only used for like a month before the owner switched to a rack system with more BPs).

Firstly, any tips on sterilizing a used tank? I read running it under hot water with Dawn dish soap(??) and using herp-safe tank cleaner, but has anyone ever had experience with this? I was also thinking to spray it down with MiteSpray just in case?

Next, any tips on keeping the humidity up? I am thinking to use something to cover the screen top- what material do you recommend? Plastic, cardboard, foil tape? Should I also try covering the sides of the tank with something to hold in humidity and heat? I have Foil Tape, which I was wondering would work to just completely cover the screen with a gap for her CHE?

And lastly, I want to switch substrate. I am currently using the Forrest Floor substrate (100% cypress), which I like the chunky texture off, but I've noticed it becomes extremely dry after like a week with the CHE and UTH. I was thinking a combination of like Eco Earth and Cypress? But I'm worried with the dusty Coco fiber to be accidentally inhaled or something? What's your favorite?

Recommendations would be great! Thanks all!

I'm on my way out to work, but I'll be back on after to help you out. I've been using glass for many years, so I've kinda got it down. That being said, there will be variance due to variables like region you live, temps in your house, etc...

[Bigkrash]

Repti chip is amazing. That stuff holds water like nothing else.


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[Hannahvh]

I'm on my way out to work, but I'll be back on after to help you out. I've been using glass for many years, so I've kinda got it down. That being said, there will be variance due to variables like region you live, temps in your house, etc...

You're awesome! To give you a head start- I live in ""The Valley" right outside Los Angeles, CA. VERY hot summers (Will be like 100-115F over summer days), pretty chilly winters (has been averaging like 50F this winter), and our average annual humidity is between 65-70. My house in the winter has probably been about 70F and in the summer, will probably be around 75 as we will run the AC sometimes, but it will be very hot outside. I think my particular room happens to be pretty dry- I often have to use a humidifier.

[Hannahvh]

Repti chip is amazing. That stuff holds water like nothing else.

This stuff looks nice and chunky too! Thanks!

[SquirmyPug]

The exoterra 36x18x18 is what I have my bigger BP in and like it a lot. The one you're looking at is 36 wide right? I know some of them are tall. I liked it so much I bought the smaller exoterra for my new BP. It's a medium size but don't remember the dimensions.

To keep humidity and heat in I cover the screen with plastic wrap and then a towel over that, it works really well.

[Craiga 01453]

You're awesome! To give you a head start- I live in ""The Valley" right outside Los Angeles, CA. VERY hot summers (Will be like 100-115F over summer days), pretty chilly winters (has been averaging like 50F this winter), and our average annual humidity is between 65-70. My house in the winter has probably been about 70F and in the summer, will probably be around 75 as we will run the AC sometimes, but it will be very hot outside. I think my particular room happens to be pretty dry- I often have to use a humidifier.

Happy to help! I definitely like to prove some of the "glass bashers" wrong. I've been keeping snakes in glass tanks since around 2000 when I got my first.
It just takes a little more work to tweak things, but once things are dialed in it'sno more difficult than PVC enclosures or tubs.

"Pretty chilly winters" that's cute, hahaha. We have had 50 degree weather all week here in MA and people are all excited and walking around in shorts and short sleeves. Its usually in the teens around here this time of year.

Anyway, sounds like your climate and home temps will make things pretty easy for you.

One of the things I do that helps a ton: I wrap my glass enclosures in 1/2" foam board insulation. It costs like $15 for a 4'x8' sheet.
I then cut pieces to fit the back and sides. I cut the back piece one inch longer than the enclosure with so the sides butt up against it and make a flush corner. Then I tape those in place on the outside of the enclosure (never any tape inside an enclosure!!!).
Then I cut a piece for the top (if you have a hinged lid you'll need two pieces). Then I trace the lamp in the spot on the foam where it will be positioned. Then cut out the hole, plus about a 1/4-1/2" to allow for airflow and so the lamp isn't in direct contact with the foam (although the foam is fire retardant).
This takes just a few minutes and helps immensely with heat and humidity control. The insulated tank allows heat to be retained, there for using less energy and zapping less humidity. Plus, saves on your electric bill.

You can choose to pretty it up by painting it or whatever, but that's obviously up to you.

Also, I use a blend of eco earth and Repti bark as substrate. It holds humidity well, spot cleans easily and looks naturalistic.

Lastly, I use two large water bowls year round to help with humidity. You may not need to where you live, but it goes a LING way here.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

[ShawarmaPoutine]

I put sphagnum moss around my water bowl and spray it with water whenever humidity drops.

[Craiga 01453]

I put sphagnum moss around my water bowl and spray it with water whenever humidity drops.

I use sphangnum moss in their hides during a shed.