How can I lower humidity by 30%?

[LRRoberts0122]

I'm getting a new corn snake today.

I live in FLORIDA.

The humidity is outrageous. I had it at a consistent 68 - 70% before I put the water bowl in. Now that I've done that, the humidity has gone up to almost 80%.

This is WAY too much for a Corn Snake, and I don't want her to develop an R.I.

It's not a question of if, but when, at this rate.

I have a heat lamp, it does a little to help, but we're talking drastic changes in humidity, like 30% ~ not 5%, which is all the heat lamp does, give or take. Now that I've added the water bowl it's practically useless.

I have a fan that does literally nothing to help.

Can someone please tell me how to lower my humidity effectively, because I'm starting to panic! I don't want my corn snake to end up with an R.I. :'(

[Mikoh4792]

Humidity just means the amount of water in the air. That alone does not cause RI's. RI's happen in moist, dirty environments where bacteria/fungi can grow. Since you are using a screen top that is fine. Plenty of ventilation so the air does not become stagnant. Just make sure to keep the enclosure clean by changing the water dish and cleaning up poop/urine regularly.

Do not worry about humidity. There are corns living in Florida no? They do not get RI's while living outside in the high humidity environment.

edit: I forgot to ask. What exactly are you using to measure humidity?

[pdomensis]

I'm with Mikoh. I wouldn't worry trying to de-humidify, just make sure you keep fresh clean bedding and watch for mold.

[MCB]

Ventilation is the key, you can always try adding a fan to the inclosure to circulate the air better.

[LRRoberts0122]

Oh my gosh, thank you guys SO much! I was so worried there, you just don't even know, lol.

I'm using a Zilla Temp / Humidity Gauge.

I know it's awful. I also used my cooking thermometer, lol. Well if it means I just have to clean the tank, that's fine. I'm very anal retentive (nothing to do with butts) about cleanliness, so she'll be fine then, I think.

Most people say clean their cage once a month, but I was going to do it once a week (every 5-7 days) while she feeds. Is that okay?

Do you guys recommend spot cleaning on those days, with a full bedding change once a month, or should I do a full change every week? It doesn't matter to me, substrate here is only $6, so that's not too much.

Thank you guys so much for the replies. I was worried. I was telling my boyfriend, "Well there's corn snakes everywhere down here in the wild! But I don't know if they have R.I.s or not?!" lol, I get hysterical like a new mother. The irrational fears an whatnot. I just want her to be okay.

[Mikoh4792]

I would say you really only need to spot clean regularly, and do a whole wipe down/disinfection once every few months(more frequent if you wish...but if you are ocd on your spot cleaning it shouldn't be necessary).

I use unprinted newspaper as substrate and I just replace it immediately after my snakes go to the bathroom(and spray/wipe down any wetspots on the cage floor). This is about once a week for each snake just to give you an idea. Then once every few months I will take the snake out, spray the entire cage with disinfectant and the cycle goes on.

Yeah I wouldn't really rely on those analog gauges. For now, just don't worry about humidity at all, and maybe sometime in the future you can pick up digital temp/humidity gauges.

This is a pretty popular one in the hobby. It's called Acurite which can be ordered from amazon or found at your local store.

Amazon.com - AcuRite 00325 Home Comfort Monitor, Black - Indoor Thermometers (http://www.amazon.com/AcuRite-00325-Comfort-Monitor-Black/dp/B004K8RF10/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407955296&sr=8-2&keywords=accurite)

[nazanova]

I personally spot clean everyday and clean out my Corns tank once a month. There's really no need to clean the tank out once a week but it wouldn't hurt.