Need help with lowering humidity (80%)

[bps_in_space]

So today is my first day with my ball python so I set him in his cage, gave him water, turned on his UTH and everything was fine. Well, a few hours later I check and the hygrometer was reading 80%. I have no clue how it got this high, I never spilled any water. I'm using coconut husk fiber substrate if that helps. Does having a full water dish make it so humid? Also, to lower humidity is it okay to to hang a pack of silica gel packets from the top screen of my terrarium or get something like DampRid? Is it possible that I just have a crappy hygrometer? So basically, any theories on why its so damp or any suggestions for lowering it? Thank you so much for the help!

[Brixxart]

For future reference it's a great idea to have your setup.. well setup at least 2 weeks prior to putting the inhabitant in!

it's probably the coconut, I suggest pulling it all back out and letting it dry for a few days and let your new friend on paper towel for his first week with you.

[tttaylorrr]

what are you using to measure humidity?
what type of enclosure are you using?
is the substrate the type you have to soak and break apart? if so, did you allow it enough time to dry?

for the time being, turn on a ceiling fan (or any type of fan in the room) and let it run.

[bps_in_space]

For future reference it's a great idea to have your setup.. well setup at least 2 weeks prior to putting the inhabitant in!

it's probably the coconut, I suggest pulling it all back out and letting it dry for a few days and let your new friend on paper towel for his first week with you.

Thank you so much! I will put him on paper towels and look into getting a different substrate. Also, the reason I was so surprised that the humidity rose so much is because I've had this setup for a few weeks now, though it is the first time I put water in and ran my UTH for more than an hour.

[bps_in_space]

what are you using to measure humidity?
what type of enclosure are you using?
is the substrate the type you have to soak and break apart? if so, did you allow it enough time to dry?

for the time being, turn on a ceiling fan (or any type of fan in the room) and let it run.

Thank you! I do have my fan on and will open the top later (I'll supervise the whole time). I have a tank and my substrate was from the bag, zoomed eco earth loose substrate.

[tttaylorrr]

Thank you! I do have my fan on and will open the top later (I'll supervise the whole time). I have a tank and my substrate was from the bag, zoomed eco earth loose substrate.

what are you using to measure the humidity?

[Brixxart]

Thank you so much! I will put him on paper towels and look into getting a different substrate. Also, the reason I was so surprised that the humidity rose so much is because I've had this setup for a few weeks now, though it is the first time I put water in and ran my UTH for more than an hour.

Also, you shouldn't need to change substrate, I use eco earth and I absolutely love it... I just need to let it dry throughout for a week or two before I use it!

[bps_in_space]

Also, you shouldn't need to change substrate, I use eco earth and I absolutely love it... I just need to let it dry throughout for a week or two before I use it!

Oh, okay! That's wonderful then! I have never heard of that before but I'm glad I know it now!

[bps_in_space]

what are you using to measure the humidity?

I'm using a analog hygrometer I got at a pet store. The brand is Grreat Choice. Would it be a good idea to get a better one?

[tttaylorrr]

I'm using a analog hygrometer I got at a pet store. The brand is Grreat Choice. Would it be a good idea to get a better one?

analog thermometer/hygrometers are basically worthless in terms of accuracy; you're most likely getting an inaccurate reading which is why the humidity seems so high. get a $10 digital thermo/hygrometer combo from walmart.