Humidity issues in planted viv

[herplover]

I've currently set up 2 planted vivs for some snakes I have on order. I'm getting in Asian Vine snakes and Paradise Flying snakes. They will be arriving late july to early Aug. The terrariums are set up similarly that they both have 2 pathos and a kroton in each, with different types of fake plants as well. The snakes have a humidity requirment of 70-80%. Im misting the plants daily to get them established and full before the snakes arrive. The terrariums I'm using are front opening exoterra with screen tops. I have half of the tops sealed off to hold as much humidity as possible. My humidity averages 50% but drops as low as 25%.

To help increase the humidity levels I'm planning on adding waterfalls to them. I'm thinking I will put 2-3" of hygroballs in the bottom then some type of mesh material (forget the exact name/brand) then substrate over that. This should increase the humidity more I'm just not sure how much.

I'm wondering form others who keep these types of snakes or others with similar humidity requirments if this will be enough to get the humidity where it needs to be or if there any other tips or techniques that could be applied to get me where I need to be.

[Deva]

The screen tops are really tough, even with half sealed off. I put plastic wrap over mine and still have to spray. I am skeptical that the waterfall alone (even with plants) will create the desired humidity, but of course you will have to try it to see.

I don't keep tropical snakes but i do keep salamanders and geckos and have the same issues. It is difficult to keep humidity levels up with central air conditioning. For my geckos I use hides with damp moss, which I re-soak every week in addition to spraying. That way I know they have at least one place they can go to get humid if they need to. Maybe that is another thing you can try.

[herplover]

Thats a good thought the only problem is that these species are arboreal and dont tend to use hides or spend time on the ground at all. the flying snakes may go the ground on rare ocasion but if the vines are on the ground its bad news because they likely went there to die :(

The other thing I'm hoping by having a couple inches of water in the bottom for the waterfall pump should help as well. But again just not sure how much.

[herplover]

As a side note im considering as a last resort adding an automatic misting system on a hygrotherm. Id just rather not spend that kind of money on something that dosent add to the asthetics to the viv. Obviously if its what needs to be done to keep the appropriate conditions I will. Id just rather correct the issue in an astheticly pleasing way if at all possible.

[SoPhilly]

cover almost all of the top. I've kept various high-humidity tropical herp species for over a decade, and you'll save yourself a lot of time, money and hair-pulling if you just cover most of the top. It's the thing that makes the biggest difference, aside from having a moisture-retaining substrate (which you must, if your plants are doing well). Those waterfalls don't do $%!# in my experience.

[herplover]

I still have the plants in pots but the substrate I'm using is a blend of repti bark and coco husk and it holds the moisture pretty well. If theres an alternative substrate I could use I'm open to suggestions on that as well. I may add the waterfall anyways just for the asthetics if nothing else.

Assuming worst case scenario if the sealing of the lid and waterfall dont get it where it needs to be would I be better off with the monsoon misting system (as it could mist both with 1 unit) or a repti fogger in each?

[jarich]

Your best bet will be to use a bioactive substrate, probably around 4-6" deep. I would suggest a mix of around 60% topsoil, 30% peat/humus, and 10% sand. This will allow for a good, moist soil that also drains well. You can buy the weed cloth that is used for gardens to go between the hydro balls and the substrate, or just use some old window screen if you have any laying around (as long as its fibreglass and not wire).

That depth of soil will keep your humidity as high as you need it, as long as you close off your top. Heat, and therefore humidity, rises. Youre losing everything out your top right now. Cut some plexiglass pieces to the size of your top screen and then drill a few small holes in for circulation. I usually put about 6 or so holes of 1/8" diameter. The live plants will keep the air fresh and the few small holes will allow enough circulation but not the loss of the humidity.