Using a sponge to try and boost humidity.

[Sonny1318]

Just as the title says, I was wondering if anyone has ever used a natural sponge to supplement humidity in a tank. I have a humidifier and regularly use sphagnum moss to boost humidity for winter sheds (I’m not currently having any problems) My wife asked if I ever tried a sponge, I’m going to give it a try, I wonder if it would make a good substitute from the moss? Again just wondering if anyone ever has tied this.

[Bogertophis]

I've never tried it but I think it's a good alternative to moss...I mean, why not? I've thought of it before, but mostly don't keep snakes that need added humidity (especially since it's humid here already).

[Sonny1318]

Fortunately the humidity at my place is kinda on the high side 40 to 50 percent, I’m in Chicago. I really don’t have to boost that much. But was curious if it could be a good alternative, and or boost for the moss. I mostly kept boas my whole life and used Neodesha cages. But since getting back in 6 years ago I’ve kept just balls, old school in tanks.

[Bogertophis]

Well even if you're using 'plastic" cages, the heating dries out the air. Let us know what you think after you try the sponge. (not "that" sponge, lol)

[Crowfingers]

I add a large square sponge in the winter. Only advice - boil it in the microwave for about 5 min once a week, just to keep the bacteria / mildew down.

[Sonny1318]

Thank you, sounds like solid advice! Thanks.

[Crowfingers]

I also line the hot side with damp sphagnum moss - that way there is about an inch wide and deep pile along the length of the UTH. It dries out about daily due to that and the CHE on that side. The sponge is on a plastic plate on the cool side just so the bedding does not mildew/mold, and this sponge is way too big for him to eat just in case he gets confused by the warm sponge lol.

I have a T11, so the right side has almost no bedding since that is where the UTH is and my snoot does not burrow at all so the moss is directly on the plastic bottom. When in shed, I shove some of the moss in the hide with him as well.

[Tila]

Back when I used a 40B, I used to use a natural sponge that came with a little suction cup on a string. I would use two, one on the hot side wall, and one suctioned to the cool side wall. I would soak the sponges and use plastic can lids under the drip zone because I was new to keeping and didn't realize a patch of damp bedding is not a tragedy, lol. I didn't have a problem with mold and since they were off the ground they didn't get peed on. Also, when I re-wet them I would just rinse them through. You can add as many as you need.

[Sonny1318]

Back when I used a 40B, I used to use a natural sponge that came with a little suction cup on a string. I would use two, one on the hot side wall, and one suctioned to the cool side wall. I would soak the sponges and use plastic can lids under the drip zone because I was new to keeping and didn't realize a patch of damp bedding is not a tragedy, lol. I didn't have a problem with mold and since they were off the ground they didn't get peed on. Also, when I re-wet them I would just rinse them through. You can add as many as you need.

Thanks for the reply, that sounds almost exactly like the style sponges my wife picked up for me. That was our biggest concern was not letting the sponges get any “waste” on them. Considering I would mainly be using them for a boost during shed. And as we all know balls like to leave a little more then just the skin behind after/while they are shedding. Happy herping! 👍