Humidity in racks

[vangarret2000]

When you have reptiles that need high humidity do you run into any issue if keeping them in a racking system? I find condensation build up on the 'roof' of each tub. Could that drip down the edges at all and get to the heat tape? With being such an enclosed structure where evaporated water can't escape from the top what do you do to deal with this?

[vangarret2000]

Any input?

[Reinz]

I don't have a rack, however if humidy got that high as to condensation, I'd say it was time to drill some ventilation holes in the tubs.

[vangarret2000]

I don't have a rack, however if humidy got that high as to condensation, I'd say it was time to drill some ventilation holes in the tubs.

There is a lot of holes on every side of the tub, but being in a rack there is still a solid barrier on every side of the tub except the front which keeps all the moisture in so it can just evaporate like a normal tank. Mostly over the heat matt (because that is where water evaporates fastest and is furthest from the front opening) the water that is evaporating just builds up on the top of the rack shelve. When you pull the tub out it generally pulls most of that back into the tub if it is enclosed tight enough. I am wondering if people might have issues with water dropping on the heat matts when they pull out the tubs or if condensation might get over the edges onto the matt while it is in the rack. I know you could mist less or must not directly over the heat matt area but I was wondering if there were better solutions or if it is an issue at all.

[artgecko]

This is an interesting question. I have 2 racks and have never had any issues, but I typically don't spray my animals as the humidity tends to stay high enough just with evaporation from their water bowls.

The heat tape is on the bottom of the rack,... So I'm assuming water would drip into the tubs themselves. If it did drip onto the heattape, I think the heattape is sealed except possibly where the connectors are so it would have to hit right there to cause a problem.

If you are considering getting a rack and this is an issue for you or you HAVE a rack and are having issues from this, I would contact the maker of the rack you have or are looking at buying and ask their opinion. I got both of mine from cserpents and chris has always been good about answering questions, etc. I'm sure he could give you some tips.

There are open-sided racks available too (see the AP economy line), this would help with air flow, but might cause you to have too -low humidity readings.

[JoshSloane]

How are you increasing humidity? I found that If you use a humid hide it provides sustainable levels of humidity without everything having to be drenched. I use tupper ware containers, and cut out a portion just large enough for the snake to enter and exit through. Put a handful of sphagnum moss in the container, soak with warm water, drain water, and attach lid. Turn upside down and put in tub or cage. This provides not only humidity within the hide, but over time slowly releases moisture into the ambient air in the tub. You would be surprised how humid you can make a tub without having to see condensation. Once you see small amounts of condensation you are achieving 100% humidity, which is unnecessary for most Boas. For larger animals you can fill a container with sphagnum moss and punch holes in it to allow the moisture to release, yet keep water and damp moss from spreading in the tub.