question about cypress and cleaning tank with uth

[blenderhead]

For those of you who use cypress or a similar substrate, how do you keep it clean? As I understand, ball pythons pass both liquid urine as well as urates. How do you clean out the liquid urine? I assume you can't even see it if cypress is used. The last thing I would want to have happen is scale rot, but my house is cold and a ceramic heat emitter seems to be the only way to keep the temps up, but of course, it kills the humidity (I currently use newspaper). Any tips, suggestions would be great.

Also, when I break down and disinfect the entire tank, will the uth get damaged if it gets wet?

[toddstj]

I replace all substrate at least once a month, and spot clean when I see the need. Your UTH should be under the glass, unless you are submerging it in a bathtub, it should not be a problem. I just dump everything out of mine and make a mild bleach solution and wipe it down good with a rag, then use clean water and wipe it several times until I cant smell the bleach anymore.

You might not be able to see the liquid urine, but you will see the urates, then I just grab all of the damp cypress around the urates and replace with fresh. I'm sure everyone does it different, but that has work for me so far.

[Kaorte]

This is precisely why I don't use loose substrate anymore. You really have no idea where/how much they are peeing.

If you are really having problems with heat and humidity, I would switch to a tub.

[teebyrd393]

Completely agree. I too use a tank. My BP was raised in a tub but I ( selfishly ) missed seeing him. I'm in TX so my ac is ALWAYS on. I have a uth under the glass on my warm side but I also have a ceramic on my cool side to keep the ambient temp around 80. My mesh top is treated with foil and tape to keep the humidity up.
The sticky is on the forum and works greak for tank users. Just be sure you leave room fo adequate air flow.
PS spot clean as you see feces, urate, or "wet" substrate...then everything out once a month to clean with mild bleach soln. I put mine in a spray bottle so you can easily apply it...dont forget to clean the hides, water bowl, etc too