My Cage setup

[chetman7]

Cover the top with foil, then duct tape, leaving only a hole for the CHE. .

Theres so much contradicting info on the net. Some sites say this, some sites say that. It gets alittle frustrating to read different info from diff sites. I've actually read somewhere that u should not cover the whole top with with tinfoil (leavingg room for the lamp of course) because it will cause stagnant air

[Mike Cavanaugh]

yeah, the whole stagnant air thing... That is what held me back from foiling my top at first. Basicly, in this case, it is BS.

As you probably already know, Many ball keepers use tubs in racks... including myself. yes there are holes melted into the tubs... but bottom line, there is VERY LITTLE air flow. a tank with a huge CHE hole in the top (screened of course) provides MORE THEN ENOUGH air flow.

I understand your frustration. Problem is there are even plenty of books out there with mis information. Your best bet is to come to this forum and talk to lots of people. I have studied every resource available... and NONE of them compare to the combination of folks I have learned from on this site.

[chetman7]

yea thanks for the support. Im just hoping to find a reliable setup with proper 82/92/55-60 humidity. I was thinking more about eco earth kind of stuff....stuff looks to messy and if he pisses...I wont be able to see it and spot clean. lol

Whats your take on humidifiers. If I can a way to keep humidity up with something other then misting, I would want to switch to a cheaper newspaper substrate

Heres the humidifier i am looking at
Link to Humidifier

[Mindibun]

I think a humidifier would be great. It'd improve the air quality too. Personally, I've been looking at getting one for myself for my bedroom (which is where the snakes are so we'd all benefit). But people sized ones are pricey.

[Mike Cavanaugh]

you shouldn't need a humidifier. what is your humidity now that you folied the top? where is your water bowl located? give us an updated pic of your setup.

the eco earth crap... that was one of 20 different substrates i tried. it was my least favorite. it was just plain messy. it is basicly wood and dirt. the dirt will get everywere. when you pull the snake out to handle, even he will have dirt on him..... not to mention the tank walls that you will have to clean often. the only way to really get the stuff out when the snake poops and peas is to break down the entire tank and spray it out. WAY too much trouble for me!

Have i mentioned news paper?

[littleindiangirl]

the eco earth crap... that was one of 20 different substrates i tried. it was my least favorite. it was just plain messy. it is basicly wood and dirt. the dirt will get everywere. when you pull the snake out to handle, even he will have dirt on him..... not to mention the tank walls that you will have to clean often. the only way to really get the stuff out when the snake poops and peas is to break down the entire tank and spray it out. WAY too much trouble for me!

Have i mentioned news paper?

LOVE eco earth!!! (if that's the coconut substrate, I dont remember names very well) Love the compressed coconut substrate!!!!

I loved the look for the tank, loved the ease to spot clean, loved the color change when it was dry. It kept humidity perfect for me.

I have nothing but good to say about eco earth!! (again, if that is indeed coconut fiber)

I just loved everything about it and still use it

[chetman7]

my humidity is steady at 40. Tin foil on top, water bowl in the middle but favoring the hot side with the CHE.

[gmcclurelssu]

yea, the eco-earth is one of those things that is just personal preference. if you find something that works for you, then go for it. as long as your snake is happy, its all good

[Mike Cavanaugh]

ok... your getting close! Now you can either try a larger water bowl, a second water bowl, or switch the substrate out for news paper. I believe your aspen is sucking up too much of the humidity. Give eco earth a chance too if you want... just because I hate it does not mean that you won't love it!

[chetman7]

I'mma try newspaper and try that out. Eco earth looks nice, but looks too messy.