Humidity In Tubs

[Montypython696]

Alright guys, I'm running into a small problem with the humidity, I have 68 total holes in each tub. 16 each on the front and back. And 18 each on the sides (None on the lid). I'm using repti bark as a substrate about 1/2 an inch. But the humidity is out of control! Like 90%. How do you guys keep humidity in check? I need to bring it down like 30% The tubs are sitting on 4 inch THG heat tape that is set to 89 degrees. Any help is appreciated!

[Luciferskeeper]

Probably won't without changing substrate. Is the reptibark too wet? Or maybe too deep? Are you snakes tipping water dishes? I use paper towels for substrate and humidity has been perfect with right size water bowls!

[Trackstrong83]

I use paper towels as substrate cause the tub alone will hold humidity awesome even without a bedding. Take the bark out and use paper towels for a while to see how it does. With my first tub I used paper towels and just kinda drilled holes accordingly to the humidity and I have no idea how many holes are in my tubs now. It's a very in-exact science hahaha

[Montypython696]

I'm not sure I want to use newspaper or paper towels. Nothing wrong with it and nothing against those who use it, I just don't like the way it looks and if I need to mist, its going to turn the paper into mush. How about aspen bedding? Is that good with keeping humidity in check?

[TheSnakeGuy]

Aspen is kind of a "go between" from paper towels and mulch type bedding like repti-bark. Aspen holds water for a little while, and paper towels don't get soggy or mushy as long you aren't totally soaking them. Since it's getting to the sunny and warm time of year you could leave your repti-bark in a pan or pot outside for a day. That would help dry it out before you put in your tubs. Or you could bake it in the oven around 200 for a 15-20 minutes. Another method would be using paper towels in you tubs and having a small open top container of sphagnum moss with water in it. That would slowly release humidity into the air. There's a couple humidity tricks for ya.

[Montypython696]

I just put them in their new tubs today, before they were in their old tanks I couldn't get the humidity high enough, now its too high! I hope they'll be fine overnight. Tomorrow I'm going to solder more holes into the lids. And then probably switch to newspaper for now.

Here's a pic of one of the tubs:



How well does newspaper work? Can you mist it as well without it looking gross? Is aspen just as bad as repti bark? I've seen a lot pictures of tubs with aspen bedding.

[TheSnakeGuy]

Don't add more holes for a few days. That reptibark should dry out on it's own in a couple days. Paper towels must be replaced much more often than mulch substrate. And when you put a couple layers in the tub the snakes will hide in between them and you don't have to have a hide in the tub. I've got a couple crepe myrtle branches in mine, they hold heat, make it seem less open, and provide something to "snuggle" up to instead of hides. I only have 8 holes in the front of my tubs and nearly a 1/4" gap above so they hold heat and humidity very well. I'll be moving to Houston, TX in two weeks so I won't need any help at all with humidity. For that reason I want to stay with paper towels.

[Montypython696]

I really don't want to have to change bedding, as I have so much reptibark right now. You said it would dry out in a few days, but with having 90-99% for a few days be bad for my babies? I would definitely assume it would be.

[Pals BP]

I have multiple BPs and boas in Rubbermaid tubs now and have been doing so for juveniles for a few years now. After some experimenting, I have found that newspaper substrate with an appropriate size water bowl and belly heat (water not on the hotspot!) keeps my humidity within a desirable range. In the summer, it stays about 70-75%, which is just perfect. No need to mist either. It is best to set up a stable environment with good humidity than to mist and create a wet environment, which can cause other health concerns. This has served me well so far. Even some boas I have in 4x2' enclosures have the same general setup...belly heat, water bowl, and newspaper substrate, stay at a consistent humidity without misting. I would give it a try before making any more holes in your tubs.

One last thing to mention, it does take a little while for the humidity to reach peak levels this way. Set it up with a digital gauge in the enclosure and walk away for a good 12 hours. You should then be able to tell how things are going.

Good luck