Substrate

[Reinz]

I quit using a mister a few years ago. I just pour water �� directly on the Cypress. Not all in one place mind you. I keep moving the water jar while pouring. That sure made things easier.

Also, by pouring, I only need to add water every few weeks.

Add again: I use about a quart in a 6 foot cage and about 1-1.5 pints in a 4 foot cage.

[argofoto]

I quit using a mister a few years ago. I just pour water �� directly on the Cypress. Not all in one place mind you. I keep moving the water jar while pouring. That sure made things easier.

Also, by pouring, I only need to add water every few weeks.

Add again: I use about a quart in a 6 foot cage and about 1-1.5 pints in a 4 foot cage.

I'm thinking of trying the cypress now, so pouring water over the cypress doesn't cause mold? Do you run a humidifier in your reptile room?

[Reinz]

I'm thinking of trying the cypress now, so pouring water over the cypress doesn't cause mold? Do you run a humidifier in your reptile room?

No mold at all. The key is to spread the water, don't let it pool.

The only time I am even concerned about mold is when my snakes are constantly in and out of their soaking bowls and have created a puddle of water . Then I change the Cypress out in that area.

No humidifier at all. I've never used one, and see no need except for maybe reptiles needing 90-100%.

That's the big benefit of Cypress, it is at the top of the list for humidity control along with coconut products.

Now if you have a tank, and are having humidity issues, even with Cypress, then layering Cypress on top of Eco-earth is as good as it gets. I had no problem getting humidity in the 70s by layering and pouring double the water. The excess water drains to the coconut and then the coconut releases water to the Cypress when needed. Never experienced mold with a few years of that system.



Esmarelda, Jungle Carpet using the layered substrate.

[Slither Seeker]

I even use cypress in my BRB enclosure, 80%+ humidity and I've never seen mold grow on it in almost 3 years... think sopping wet at times (BRB's like to be in wetland like conditions when juveniles). cypress is the key to doing bioactive for me with our BRB, that and springtails. haven't swapped out the substrate in more than a year, it's bioactive and planted with a grow light, I don't even remove droppings ... I know, it sounds hard to believe :~(), but it's working and "Ruby Sparkles" is super happy and healthy. Once I am secure in husbandry for our BP's I will probably start a more bio-active approach with cypress and plants and a grow light and see if I can get it nailed down. I rarely add or subtract water to any of my enclosures once they are stable, they are mostly sealed up.

I'm thinking of trying the cypress now, so pouring water over the cypress doesn't cause mold? Do you run a humidifier in your reptile room?

[Reinz]

I even use cypress in my BRB enclosure, 80%+ humidity and I've never seen mold grow on it in almost 3 years... think sopping wet at times (BRB's like to be in wetland like conditions when juveniles). cypress is the key to doing bioactive for me with our BRB, that and springtails. haven't swapped out the substrate in more than a year, it's bioactive and planted with a grow light, I don't even remove droppings ... I know, it sounds hard to believe :~(), but it's working and "Ruby Sparkles" is super happy and healthy. Once I am secure in husbandry for our BP's I will probably start a more bio-active approach with cypress and plants and a grow light and see if I can get it nailed down. I rarely add or subtract water to any of my enclosures once they are stable, they are mostly sealed up.

I love your maintenance free approach!

I just can't grasp the idea of my big Boas and Carpets NOT destroying the plants.

[zina10]

One day I would love a bioactive enclosure in a beautiful display unit with a gorgeous Green Tree Python inside.

I used to have 2 GTP's and they make great Display animals and I don't think they would destroy the plants.

Both of my GTP's could be handled just fine (although I didn't do it often) neither ever struck at me. But in the evening or at night, you want to keep the hands out of the enclosure, LOL !!!

Perhaps one day I might look into this. I would like to find a way to have an enclosure that is both "display", built right into the living areas of the home, and also easy to maintain the correct husbandry. Bioactive, with plants, vines and wood perches (or imitation wood perches)