hot/cold side newbie

[The Serpent Merchant]

Sounds good. I really like coco husk substrates.

[rocknhorse76]

Looks like an ok setup except for the substrate and the temp/humidity gauges. Get that Accurite gauge, set it up on the cool end, and put the probe over the hot spot (just kinda bury it a little in the substrate so it stays in place). Replace the white crap with some cypress mulch, coco husk, eco earth, or a mixture of those. Cover the screen top with some plastic or something similar......I'd do both ends and keep the center open for the heat lamps. Doing all of these things should result in a pretty decent viv. Just be sure to keep an eye on the temps and adjust the wattage of the bulbs and/or distance above the cage. Misting should keep the humidity at the correct levels as well.

[greenacid]

Looks like an ok setup except for the substrate and the temp/humidity gauges. Get that Accurite gauge, set it up on the cool end, and put the probe over the hot spot (just kinda bury it a little in the substrate so it stays in place). Replace the white crap with some cypress mulch, coco husk, eco earth, or a mixture of those. Cover the screen top with some plastic or something similar......I'd do both ends and keep the center open for the heat lamps. Doing all of these things should result in a pretty decent viv. Just be sure to keep an eye on the temps and adjust the wattage of the bulbs and/or distance above the cage. Misting should keep the humidity at the correct levels as well.

isn't it dangerous to cover up the top now that I have the heat lamps going? I Pretty much have a nail hammered into the wall and they're hanging from them. attached to a Zoo-Med timer that turns the day one on, etc. I'm gonna replace the dials with an accurite thermometer probably this weekend. It'll be a Month next week, so I'm gonna clean his habitat out, put in coco husk substrate, tape down the thermometer to the glass, take out the moss, the exo-terra dials, and feed him...

[The Serpent Merchant]

isn't it dangerous to cover up the top now that I have the heat lamps going? I Pretty much have a nail hammered into the wall and they're hanging from them. attached to a Zoo-Med timer that turns the day one on, etc. I'm gonna replace the dials with an accurite thermometer probably this weekend. It'll be a Month next week, so I'm gonna clean his habitat out, put in coco husk substrate, tape down the thermometer to the glass, take out the moss, the exo-terra dials, and feed him...

No tape inside the cage ever! Snakes have a nasty habit of getting themselves stuck to tape and trust me getting them unstuck is not something you ever want to have to go through.

You can cover 70% - 80% of the screen top safely. This will help you maintain the humidity in the cage. I would recommend using aluminum foil for this, it's heat resistant, moisture resistant, and cheap

[greenacid]

No tape inside the cage ever! Snakes have a nasty habit of getting themselves stuck to tape and trust me getting them unstuck is not something you ever want to have to go through.

You can cover 70% - 80% of the screen top safely. This will help you maintain the humidity in the cage. I would recommend using aluminum foil for this, it's heat resistant, moisture resistant, and cheap

I've been spraying down 3 times a day. Humidity and temps are perfect. Say Aaron, when I switch to coco husk, how much should I layer? Give me a measurement. Also, how many times a day should I spray after the switch. Sprayed twice today and humidity stayed at 60 all day

[The Serpent Merchant]

I've been spraying down 3 times a day. Humidity and temps are perfect. Say Aaron, when I switch to coco husk, how much should I layer? Give me a measurement. Also, how many times a day should I spray after the switch. Sprayed twice today and humidity stayed at 60 all day

When using a UTH you need to keep the substrate layer 1/2" thick or less

Coco husk substrate will need to be mixed with warm water before putting it into the cage, then once it starts to dry out you will need to mist to keep the humidity up.

[greenacid]

When using a UTH you need to keep the substrate layer 1/2" thick or less

Coco husk substrate will need to be mixed with warm water before putting it into the cage, then once it starts to dry out you will need to mist to keep the humidity up.

How often. I heard twice a week

[The Serpent Merchant]

How often. I heard twice a week

It will vary based on your setup and local climate. It could be 2-3 times a week it could be every other day. This is one of the aspects of keeping reptiles that isn't an exact science. You will need to find what works for you and your setup. A good hygrometer is key. Try to keep the humidity between 40%-60% normally.