New AP tank - Humidity too high!

[jglass38]

I just got an AP T3. I have my youngest male BP in it and the humidity is hovering around 75%. How can I get it to come down. This is way too high outside of shed. The only holes in this tank are a vents in the back. Has anyone else had this problem? I have my breeding pair of BPs in Rubbermaids and the humidity stays a bit lower at around 60%-65%.

[Kara]

What kind of substrate do you have in the cage?

K

[jglass38]

Paper towel. The water dish is on the opposite side of the heat tape.

[jglass38]

I just went back and checked my rubbermaids again with the breeding pair and they are at 76% as well. They are on Aspen. I am not sure what to do. I dont want the humidity this high for long.

[Kara]

76 isn't going to kill them, first & foremost. You may want to consider switching to newspaper instead of paper towel - a nice thick bed of it will usually work, since it's less absorbent & doesn't really hang on to excess moisture.

Also, is the new cage up against a wall? If so, move it out a few inches so you have better airflow around the vents.

K

[jglass38]

It is against the wall. I am going to move it out.I will try newspaper tomorrow. How long is 76% safe for before an RI can kick in? I am also going to make more holes in the rubbermaids and see if that brings it down a bit. I am starting to put the pair together Monday and want everything to be perfect. Thanks for your help!

[Kara]

As long as your temps are correct you shouldn't have any problems with the humidity temporarily being that high, especially if you're moving the cage away from the wall.

Something you do want to watch is your BP's on aspen. High humidity can cause aspen to mold, and mold + snakes = a big no no.

Putting more holes in your rubbermaids should certainly help - if you ever have to raise the humidity again, you can just tape over them.

Good luck with your breeding project!! Hope that goes well for you!


K

[sk8er4life]

did it just rain recently in your area? because i noticed at my house that everytime it rains the humidity seems to go up so that can be part of the reason

[jglass38]

I think I am ok now. I realized that I forgot to turn the oscillating floor fan back on earlier today after I had my new Uromastyx out. It is now back on and the humidity is down in the 60%-65% range. I also moved the unit away from the wall so that should help. Thanks for everything!

Kara, thanks for the encouragement. I am excited for my first chance to try my hand at breeding. Any success will make it a positive experience. I will keep you guys updated.

Jamie

[Kara]

Jamie - absolutely! Don't hesitate to holler if any questions pop up along the way. You're gonna FREAK when you hatch your first BP's. Those little faces looking at you out of the eggs are just sooooo irresistable!



K