Humidity too high in Central TX!

[kenthebird]

Hi all! My BP Basil was diagnosed with a minor respiratory infection about 2 weeks ago, and I just finished his last dose of injectable antibiotics. He had been staying in a tub since I got him a year ago, but the Austin summer has been extremely humid recently and the constant 80%+ humidity in his tub contributed to the RI.

I recently moved him to a larger screen-top tank to help with lowering the humidity and prevent further infections, but even with a fan blowing across the tank 24 hours a day I can't get the humidity below 75%. Suggestions for keeping humidity at healthy levels are much appreciated! Below are pics of the new tank setup (the dark blue bowl is definitely too small but I'm setting him up with a larger hide when I cut it today).

Hot side: 89-93*
Ambient: 78*
Humidity: 75-80%




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[KMG]

What are you using to measure humidity?

I'm in Houston and have PVC cage that don't stay at 70%+.

In a enclosed tub I could see that but not an open top screen tank. I have two and neither stay remotely close to what you're saying.

[redshepherd]

It's less a problem of high humidity, but the RI must have been caused by something else.. whether low temps, poor ventilation when in the tub, or another reason. In ball python's natural habitat in Ghana, the humidity is almost always 80~90%. If there is high humidity but good ventilation, it's no problem for a ball python.

So your setup right now with the full screen top should be just fine.

Poor ventilation in high humidity can cause RI.

[kenthebird]

What are you using to measure humidity?

I'm in Houston and have PVC cage that don't stay at 70%+.

In a enclosed tub I could see that but not an open top screen tank. I have two and neither stay remotely close to what you're saying.

I'm using an Acurite two temp thermometer/hygrometer. It might be time for a new one perhaps?




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[KMG]

I thought so but they look different from the last time I had one. I quit using them long ago as I got rid of them failing.

You may try a new one but I don't you have much to worry about in the tank. You can also buy a hygrometer made for cigars fairly cheap. What I like about them is they can be calibrated.

I use these in my cigar humidors and they have been great. Ideal cigar conditions are 70F and 70% humidity so they can withstand most environments.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Two concerns I have.

1. The fan blowing across the tank. You really don't want that. The fan being opposite from the tank moving air will work just fine.

2. The rectangular hide is not much of one. You did a nice job making the door but because of the color of plastic it is made from it asks light through as well as the snake to see movement through it.

[kenthebird]

Two concerns I have.

1. The fan blowing across the tank. You really don't want that. The fan being opposite from the tank moving air will work just fine.

2. The rectangular hide is not much of one. You did a nice job making the door but because of the color of plastic it is made from it asks light through as well as the snake to see movement through it.

Thanks for the cigar hygrometer suggestion! Also, I have the fan on a bookcase on the other side of the room blowing towards the tank, I don't think I did a great job explaining how I have the fan set up, but it's not blowing directly into the tank. Is that setup alright?

I also have a large black rectangular hide I picked up at a recent herp expo, I'll sub that in for the light one. Thanks for the help!


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[PitOnTheProwl]

Yeah its not that high here in San Antonio either.
I would lean more to maybe not enough air flow in the tub or other stress.

[KMG]

Thanks for the cigar hygrometer suggestion! Also, I have the fan on a bookcase on the other side of the room blowing towards the tank, I don't think I did a great job explaining how I have the fan set up, but it's not blowing directly into the tank. Is that setup alright?

I also have a large black rectangular hide I picked up at a recent herp expo, I'll sub that in for the light one. Thanks for the help!


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Sounds good.