Substrates - can't get the right humidity!

[Neal]

I agree, the answer is covering more of the cage rather than using a damp substrate.

Place the water bowl over the heat pad--that raises the humidity nicely, as long as there's not excessive ventilation.

Would you want to drink hot water?

Not that it will get too warm from being over and UTH with substrate, but still.

[Crazy4Herps]

I've tried everything. Plexiglass, saran wrap, even damp towels (which I decided not to use due to possible mold growth). I've tried various UTHs, bulbs, positioning of the water dish... And it's a very large water dish. I do live in a very dry climate. Substrate is the only hope I have left.

[Neal]

Like I said, go with cypress mulch. You will achieve the necessary humidity. I use a UTH & a ceramic heat bulb for my anaconda tank, what I do, is I mist the tank once, sometimes twice a day, and when I see the substrate start to dry out ill pour water over the substrate to dampen it, which it will keep the humidity good for a day or so, if you have an UTH with a really good 2-3 minute misting on the UTH side, you should get 60%+ humidity.

[mrshawt]

With my Repti Bark, I don't even have to mist anymore. Which I'm glad of - I hate the water stains that end up on the tank.

[Kaorte]

Try a tub. I think having proper environmental conditions comes before a "more naturalistic enclosure".

[elevenphoenix]

Try Repti-Bark. It keeps the humidity pretty well for my glass tank and I put a damp cloth over the screen top for a few days each week.

[Qetu]

goodluck on getting it all worked out, idk what to tell you. im just glad i live in texas lol. very humid. and i think ill stick to tubs. i hear to much trouble from tanks.

[Darkice]

I used to have the same problem with humidity. So i went to home depot and bought a small pond tub and put a fountain in the middle. Now everything is perfect.

[adrenalinejunkie]

you can always just add a humid hide and your snake will use it as they see fit. I just use a ice cream tub with a hole in the side and i filled it with moist but not soaking spahgnum moss.

I use the Forest Floor cypress mulch; similar to the repti-bark and it works fine for me and i dont have to mist it...about once every 2 weeks I pour water on it and mix it up then replace it after 1-2 months.

[Crazy4Herps]

Thanks for the input everybody!

I did have her in a tub, and I will by all means move her back if I can't get this worked out soon. The sheets of construction paper lasted through the night without soaking through, so she's not in danger of scale rot at the moment.

I will go to PetCo today and pick up cypress mulch or repti bark.