heat AND humidity problems

[Janus]

So I just bought a digital thermometer/hygrometer, and switched the bulb in my lamp to a red one so I can leave it on 24/7. I have a UTH (with no thermostat or rheostat) that I also leave on 24/7. And yet for some reason I'm having problems getting both heat and humidity up to the level they need to be.

Assuming the thermometer/hygro is accurate, the temp on what is supposed to be the hot side hovers around 81 degrees, and the humidity around 25%. However I mist the cage and the humidity will shoot up to like 60% (only to drop back down a couple hours later)

I plan on changing the bulb from what is now 75 watts to 100 watts. But what else can I do to raise his numbers? Also, I've only been on this site for a few days, but I want to thank everyone for all the great feedback. This place has been an invaluable resource.

[ddbjdealer]

I don't completely remember your other post regarding this, but I think you're using an all glass aquarium as your housing?? If so, you might want to cover part of the screen with something. Contact paper (the kind used for lining shelves) works well, as well as foil, saran wrap, a towel, etc.. Leave a hole for the light, and for air circulation, but for the most part, you can completely seal it off.

I've also heard of people using plexiglass cut to the same size as the screen lid (with a hole for the lamp). This helps with keeping the humidity in the cage.

As far as temps go, make sure you're actually measuring the FLOOR of the cage, and not just the ambient temps. (above the surface) Put the probe from your thermometer INSIDE the warm side hide, and let it sit for an hour or so, see what your temps are. If you're using a UTH combined with a 100W heat lamp, you should be getting pretty good temps in the warm hide.

Of course, as was recommended before, get a thermostat, or at least a rheostat so you can control those warm side temps a little better (once they start getting too hot). You can also try raising your ambient room temps up a bit. (I keep my herp room at 75 or so).

[lucky08]

Sounds like maybe your thermometer is broken, especially since your humidity is jumping so much. might want to double check the thermometer with a friends one or sumthing. or drop the probe in a glass of freezing water and see what happens, to see if it's working right.
-Colin

[rabernet]

Sounds like maybe your thermometer is broken, especially since your humidity is jumping so much. might want to double check the thermometer with a friends one or sumthing. or drop the probe in a glass of freezing water and see what happens, to see if it's working right.
-Colin

Any time you mist your enclosure, the humidity is going to jump up dramatically. I'd speculate that the thermometer/hygrometer is working fine, especially since it's brand new (even though there IS the chance they got a dud).

The light is what is drying out the enclosure. I know of what I speak, I fight the same demon every day, because I chose to have Kashmire in a 20 gallon long glass viv. Temps are spot on, but the humidity is the real challenge with misting 3 times a day (when I get up, when I get home, and before I go to bed).

A question about the plexiglass though - I've always wondered, is a hole for the light necessary? Couldn't you just put the lamp on top of the glass, or would the heat damage it in some way? I would think ventilation holes are a must, but is a hole for the light a must? Anyone who uses plexiglass know the answer to this? Right now I'm using the Glad Press & Seal, but it doesn't want to "press & seal" very well!

All my new additions are going into Sterilite tubs, so this will be a non-issue for them, but trying to make the glass viv work for Kashmire - but suspect I'll be giving that up in the near future (especially if I get a rack!!!!)

[Adam_Wysocki]

or drop the probe in a glass of freezing water and see what happens, to see if it's working right.
-Colin

Dropping the probe of a digital thermometer in a glass of freezing water might not be the best idea.

-adam

[lucky08]

[QUOTEDropping the probe of a digital thermometer in a glass of freezing water might not be the best idea.

If it has an indoor/outdoor probe it should be fine. Worked with mine, worked with everyone else's that mentioned me to try it. Man no one in these forums likes thinking even a little bit out of the box.

[daniel1983]

Actually, submerging a probe to any thermometer is not good practice. They are generally not designed to be completely submerged under water and if you would take the time to read the little instruction paper that comes with most indoor/outdoor thermometers you would find that they usually recommend that the probe should be placed so that it is 'out of the weather'. Submerging the probe can just further the problem.

If you want to play outside the box, try to come up with an better idea.....cause yours is not a good one.



Back on topic:

Janus, Be very careful when you mist. I actually take my thermo/hygos out when I mist then place them back in the enclosure when I am finished. The misting can cause water to build up inside of the hygro and give you bad readings.....and even lead to a broken thermometer.

[tigerlily]

Hey I like to think the people on this site are very open to new ideas, but at the same time you always have to consider the source of the information. Why would putting your probe in freezing water be a good idea? Those probes are probably only water resistant, not water proof so I wouldn't think that's such a hot idea.

[neithersparky]

A question about the plexiglass though - I've always wondered, is a hole for the light necessary? Couldn't you just put the lamp on top of the glass, or would the heat damage it in some way? I would think ventilation holes are a must, but is a hole for the light a must? Anyone who uses plexiglass know the answer to this? Right now I'm using the Glad Press & Seal, but it doesn't want to "press & seal" very well!

This is *exactly* my question as well. So - is it not safe to place a heatlamp directly on top of plexiglass? If so, would using those wire shield things on the lamps fix that?

[snakebitten69]

the heat lamp would burn the plex glass and it would not transfur heat inside the encloser! if your looking for a day time light that wont dri out the cage u can get one of them florsent bulb that dont put out heat!