Ok. Now you'll need to consider that I live in MA so your climate may be a bit different from mine. So what works for me may need a little tweaking on your end, but the same principles apply.Originally Posted by Parsons483
I use a blend of Eco Earth and ReptiBark for substrate. It holds humidity well, spot cleans easy and looks naturalistic.
It looks like you're using ReptiBark so you're already off to a good start there.
I also use two water dishes. I actually use dog food dishes I buy at Walmart for $0.98 each. They're decent size, but hollow underneath, so they double as great hides. I just place a few flat stones underneath the edges to prop them up for my larger snakes. But they all love them cause they're tight fitting for them.
Depending on the time of year I add a small dish of sphagnum moss and keep that damp. This helps a lot in the cooler months when the heat is on.
Finally, what helps the absolute most...
I wrap my glass enclosures in 1/2" foam board insulation. I do the back, sides and top. It comes in 8 foot sheets, so I just measure the tank and cut pieces to fit. Then secure them in place with tape (outside the enclosure, no tape ever inside an enclosure). Lastly, I Trace the heat lamp and cut about an inch bigger circle than the lamp. This allows for space so the insulation isn't in direct contact with the lamp (but the insulation is also fire retardant) as well as allowing air flow.
This helps immensely with heat and humidity control. By keeping the enclosure insulated, the heating equipment doesn't need to run as hot. Less artificial heat = less water evaporation. And unfortunately bulbs zap humidity.
This also helps by creating a "shield" on top of the screen to keep moisture in. One side of the insulation is silver which reflects the humidity back in rather than evaporating.
Other bonuses: it provides the security snakes crave that I mentioned earlier.
It also helps with your electric bill since heating equipment doesn't need to work as hard.
As far as aesthetics, you can do all sorts of things to make it as pretty as you like. That's completely up to you.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask follow ups if you have questions.
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