Finally New Enclosures, But....

[Gio]

...a real pain in the neck and not at all what they are cracked up to be.

In my opinion the PVC snobs should not throw rocks at glass tanks. I think that they are much easier to dial in IF you plan to use substrate in the PVC enclosure.

Right off the bat humidy was way too high using Eco earth bricks with cypress on top, 90%. For 3 weeks I left the doors open, ran a fan and placed a heat lamp inside. (No snakes inside)

Also I'm not impressed with RHPs. The 40 watt would heat the whole tank to the same temp, 87 max.

So I went to an 80 watt. Similar problem, whole tank, same temp (no cool side). So it is set for an ambient temp and that is why I have the Ghetto shelves- stools. It's 90 degrees up there on top.

When I put the water dish in ,and plus the heat, the humidity spiked to 83-85. So now I have to add more vents.
I can't go with a smaller water bowl. Lizzy soaks 3-5 days about 10-14 days before shed as well as intermittently.
Elenore will dunk every now and then.

It's all very basic, not as I had planned. But I don't know where to get natural looking hides for 6 ft and 7-8 ft snakes. Maybe RHPs work better in shorter enclosures, these are 4x2x2, and quite disappointing. Had I known, I would have had shelves built. But the stools offer exercise and warmth.

Both units were supposed to have dual rods, but the builder didn't think that they necessary. So I will have to add those too.

4 x 2 x 2 Monsters

Anyway, my "turnkey enclosures" turned out to be a work in progress.


Now that my Coastal Carpet Python, Lizzy can stretch out, I wonder I'd I went long enough. She is between 7-8 ft.



Lizzy loves her hide! I did not have one for her before, nor the previous owner.



Elenore loves stretching out! She was in a very small temporary tank before. She also loves her hide! I don't think that she ever had before.

Just some basic questions to help you out.

What type of RPH units did you buy and were you given good advice on them based on cage size, room temps (average year round)?

Where are the panels placed in the cages?

What is your thermostat brand, and where are you placing the probes?

What is the vent situation in the cages?

ALL of that humidity will eventually burn off in time, I know this because my first go at plastic was similar when adding damp substrate.

One of the things you are unhappy with is actually one of the advantages of plastic. Keeping the humidity levels up higher for longer is what they are supposed to do.

Snakes that soak are often doing so because something is a little off. Sometimes they are too hot, or often they are not in enough humidity. Obviously mites are a reason but that doesn't fit in here. However maybe you have animals that like to swim. None of the 3 I own here have ever soaked, but that's just my experience.



I'll bet if you had smaller water bowls your snakes would be fine with the long term increase in humidity because of the new cages.

As for your perches, the builder should have listened to you. You'll want at least 3 and I'd recommend spacing them 2-4 inches apart. Your snakes will feel more comfortable with more support under them. One post forces all of their weight to be put on one small spot, but if you spread it out, they will distribute their weight more evenly.

I have some other ideas for you too.

I'll try to help you out with anything you need.

You bit off a lot getting 2 cages right at the same time and I can feel your frustration.

Trust me, you'll get them the way you want them!

It's actually a fun part of the hobby trying new things, adding stuff, taking other stuff out.

It's going to work, and they look really nice on your wall!