Building a humidifier

[Trollbie]

Has anyone ever done it? If so pics and details please :D

[mykee]

Why reinvent the wheel?
Go to Walmart or Canadian Tire and buy one.

[Bradyloach]

You can get a cheap one :p buying one Is too expensive:)

[Strutter769]

Trollbie, you shouldn't need one, remember? Get you some Heavy Duty tin foil and cover the screen nice and neatly, pressing into all the creases on the sides and end. Get it as flat on the screen as you possibly can. Go all the way up to where the rays of the heat light hit the screen.

Now, you said you have a UTH also, correct?

[Trollbie]

Trollbie, you shouldn't need one, remember? Get you some Heavy Duty tin foil and cover the screen nice and neatly, pressing into all the creases on the sides and end. Get it as flat on the screen as you possibly can. Go all the way up to where the rays of the heat light hit the screen.

Now, you said you have a UTH also, correct?

Yeah. But if I cover it, then the light won't get everywhere in the tank... :(

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll256/Czechish/73f57be2.jpg

[Strutter769]

Honestly, I don't think you need that day bulb. Humidity is far more important than that. Just use natural daylight, in addition to your infrared, and cover the rest with your heavy duty tin foil. If you're worried about temp, remember the tin foiled will hold humidity AND heat in the tank, so removing that light should have minimal to no affect.

[GarterPython]

I agree with Strutter.

[Trollbie]

What about my live plants? They don't get enough daylight otherwise

[Lankyrob]

The husbandry for the snake is more important than the plants :)

[GarterPython]

Yea I agree Lankyrob! I took out my plants because I needed a UV light and it added to much heat to my enclosure so I took them out.

[Strutter769]

The husbandry for the snake is more important than the plants :)

^^^_^What he said^^^^

But, I will do some research and find which will thrive with just natural daylight.

Remember, your snake has no respect for plants, so they'll be smashed, peed on, pooped on, possibly untooted. Marcy says she's never had success with live plants in a terrarium, mostly due to those reasons I listed above.

[Trollbie]

That's why I want to have them while he's tiny :( I could just get a humidifier and all problem will be solved!

[Snakefood]

the darker green the plant is, the less light it needs.

[Trollbie]

There are 3 live plants in there. One is in the corner in the front by the half log, and the other 2 are behind the water dish (2 middle plants along the back wall).

[jarich]

Why take out the day bulb? Just take out the infrared bulb. The day bulb will give you the heat and the light for the plant. The plants are fine, and no, your snake won't kill them. I have plants of all kinds in with all my snakes and they run them over all the time. Not to mention if you cover the top, the plants will likely take the humidity level up for you without the need for a humidifier.

Sorry for not knowing from other threads, but what is the humidity level you are looking for and what type of snake?

[Trollbie]

Why take out the day bulb? Just take out the infrared bulb. The day bulb will give you the heat and the light for the plant. The plants are fine, and no, your snake won't kill them. I have plants of all kinds in with all my snakes and they run them over all the time. Not to mention if you cover the top, the plants will likely take the humidity level up for you without the need for a humidifier.

Sorry for not knowing from other threads, but what is the humidity level you are looking for and what type of snake?

Like 80% at least? For this cutie :)
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll256/Czechish/b352b1e7.jpg

If I only leave a hole for the light, then the light won't spread all over the tank and will only cover that one spot. That's what I'm worried about. I guess the infrared won't be that big of a deal if I take it out since the tin foil should keep the humidity in, but without the light, they'll have no direct sunlight.

[Strutter769]

If you *have* to have plants, use a philodendron. They can take the abuse.

[jarich]

Beautiful snake! Ok sorry for being dismissive earlier, I just think before people say that 'snakes kill plants' there should be some other opinions here. I have live plants in all my enclosures, so far the only occupant who has killed any plants is the savannah monitor. Most of the time its the keeper not knowing enough about plants to keep it alive, rather than the reptile.

First, I need more information. Are those plants actually planted in the soil or are the pots just in the substrate? Do you have a UTH? Are there any windows anywhere nearby?

[Trollbie]

I really want a bromeliad in there :(

http://www.floweringflowers.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/0207_red_bromeliad.jpg

[GarterPython]

I had one in mine but then I took it out because of the UV thing! You can find them at most hard wear stores. They are really cool and they come in so many different colours.

[Strutter769]

IMO, best thing to do is experiment. See what works well and what not so much?

[Trollbie]

Beautiful snake! Ok sorry for being dismissive earlier, I just think before people say that 'snakes kill plants' there should be some other opinions here. I have live plants in all my enclosures, so far the only occupant who has killed any plants is the savannah monitor. Most of the time its the keeper not knowing enough about plants to keep it alive, rather than the reptile.

First, I need more information. Are those plants actually planted in the soil or are the pots just in the substrate? Do you have a UTH? Are there any windows anywhere nearby?

No worries. I want plants as long as I can keep them alive in there. I have a layer of EcoEarth on the bottom and then covered by a layer of reptibark. I kept the plants in their pot thingys because I may still decide to use hygroball and go that route. I do have a ZooMed UTH (the size for 10-20g)

There are 2 windows. One has that weird frosted glass, so not much light comes through at all, and the big one isn't facing the tank. Some of the light hits the tank, but it's not very direct. And my room doesn't get very much sunlight because it faces North.

Unfortunately, I'm sharing a master with another person so I don't have options for placement of the tank. This is an awesome master bedroom set up, but a horrible set up for 2 college students.

[Trollbie]

I had one in mine but then I took it out because of the UV thing! You can find them at most hard wear stores. They are really cool and they come in so many different colours.

Bromeliads? I know lol. I was gonna put mine in there, but I think I killed it :(

[GarterPython]

Haha! Yea alot of people say they are easy but I think they die really easy because when I took them out they slowly died.

[Trollbie]

I just can't keep a plant alive :( If I want to keep plants, I have to keep them with animals lol.

[GarterPython]

I hate plants! I have given up on all plants! I used to even have a Cactus and I managed to kill that!

[Trollbie]

I hate plants! I have given up on all plants! I used to even have a Cactus and I managed to kill that!

That I haven't achieved yet. I guess there is hope for me :D

[GarterPython]

Haha! Yea I can take care of animals but have no sucess with plants.

[Trollbie]

What if I do mix the substrate with some moss as someone has suggested? I do have moss in his cool side hide, but I don't think he's ever been in there...

[jarich]

Cactus are actually harder to keep than most people think!

If you are keeping them in the pots then its easier to do. The watering especially is simpler. Plus, if one does die then its not a big deal to take it out and replace it. If you want to set up a bioactive tank with the plants its not that hard, just a thought.

That type of bromeliad takes a fair bit of light; generally the softer the leaf on broms, the less light they need. They also loose their colour as the light decreases. As strutter mentioned, philodendrons are great as they take a beating and are pretty hard to kill. Pothos is the best one for all beginners. Its basically a weed, so it grows just like you would think. Plus they come in some interesting varieties. In that kind of set up (warm, high humidity) they almost can't be killed!

[Trollbie]

Cactus are actually harder to keep than most people think!

If you are keeping them in the pots then its easier to do. The watering especially is simpler. Plus, if one does die then its not a big deal to take it out and replace it. If you want to set up a bioactive tank with the plants its not that hard, just a thought.

That type of bromeliad takes a fair bit of light; generally the softer the leaf on broms, the less light they need. They also loose their colour as the light decreases. As strutter mentioned, philodendrons are great as they take a beating and are pretty hard to kill. Pothos is the best one for all beginners. Its basically a weed, so it grows just like you would think. Plus they come in some interesting varieties. In that kind of set up (warm, high humidity) they almost can't be killed!

I want to do a bioactive set up. How do I do it?

[jarich]

Ha! Ya, I should've figured that was coming!

First, think about if you are going to be putting that snake in a bigger set up or not. If so, Id wait. It takes a while to get set up and if you plan on moving it to a bigger tank in the next year or so, then wait.

[Trollbie]

Ha! Ya, I should've figured that was coming!

First, think about if you are going to be putting that snake in a bigger set up or not. If so, Id wait. It takes a while to get set up and if you plan on moving it to a bigger tank in the next year or so, then wait.

I've been wanting to before I even got him :p

But yeah this isn't his permanent set up. I'm not sure when I'll get a bigger one... I won't really have to worry about it for at least year

[jarich]

Ok well if its that long then you can give it a try. Its not really that difficult. You will need about 5-6 inches for the substrate. Is that possible in that tank?

[Trollbie]

Ok well if its that long then you can give it a try. Its not really that difficult. You will need about 5-6 inches for the substrate. Is that possible in that tank?

Yeah, but then I'd worry that the UTH won't do anything with that much substrate on top

[jarich]

How big is that enclosure? It will still warm up the tank, just won't be a 'hot spot' per say. It'll keep the tank warmer in general. Plus when you move the light down, I don't think heat will be a problem; probably the opposite.

[Trollbie]

How big is that enclosure? It will still warm up the tank, just won't be a 'hot spot' per say. It'll keep the tank warmer in general. Plus when you move the light down, I don't think heat will be a problem; probably the opposite.


20g tall. You know I should wait a little first. I asked my dad if he'd help me build a custom cage, and he said yes. So maybe I'll be upgrading sooner than later.

[Trollbie]

What if I do use hygro balls and fill the tank with water like half an inch and then put a screen on top of the hygro balls and then the substrate? Would that work? And the tank won't crack where the UTH is right?

[Trollbie]

Or where can I buy a piece of acrylic or something to cover the top? That way I wouldn't have to worry about light

[geckodog]

I attempted it but it failed, but I am sure you will succed

[BarelyBreathing]

What if I do use hygro balls and fill the tank with water like half an inch and then put a screen on top of the hygro balls and then the substrate? Would that work? And the tank won't crack where the UTH is right?


Your under tank heater will have to go on the side of the tank not in contact with the glass that's touching the water. Other than that, that's how I do it. I tried to take a picture of the little bugs inside my cresties' enclosures but you can't really see them.

[Trollbie]

Your under tank heater will have to go on the side of the tank not in contact with the glass that's touching the water. Other than that, that's how I do it. I tried to take a picture of the little bugs inside my cresties' enclosures but you can't really see them.

Im at Ace and they have acrylic sheets. Does that work?

[BarelyBreathing]

I don't think I've ever seen them.

[Trollbie]

I don't think I've ever seen them.

It's like a sheet of plastic

[BarelyBreathing]

I just use the type of screen that's on windows or screen doors...

[Trollbie]

I mean that the acrylic would go on top of the tank. On top of the screen top.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll256/Czechish/2907a00a.jpg

[Trollbie]

I'm gonna rearrange the tank a little so the water dish is above the hotspot

[BarelyBreathing]

Oh, yeah! That would work.

[Trollbie]

Oh, yeah! That would work.

I'll keep the hot side of the tank covered and hopefully that will retain enough humidity at least in the place he spends most of his time in

[SpOoKy]

I'm gonna rearrange the tank a little so the water dish is above the hotspot

If you are going to do that you may want to add another water bowl to the cool side. Keeping drinking water warm all the time could grow bacteria faster.

[Trollbie]

If you are going to do that you may want to add another water bowl to the cool side. Keeping drinking water warm all the time could grow bacteria faster.

Ugh... so complicated! Thanks for pointing it out though!

But does it matter if I change the water every day?

[BarelyBreathing]

Not really. This is what I do.

[Trollbie]

Not really. This is what I do.

What are you referring to?

[snakekid6996]

I made a lid for the tank I was originally setting up for a BRB with plexiglass like that. Me and my step dad cut out a piece the same size as the lid. Then, i cut out the screen of the top with a razor and used super glue on the edges of the frame and put the plexiglass in it. Just make sure you put holes in it so the snake can get some fresh air :). Ill post pctures in a second.

[BarelyBreathing]

Changing the water daily when keeping it over the UTH. That's what I was referring to.

[Trollbie]

I made a lid for the tank I was originally setting up for a BRB with plexiglass like that. Me and my step dad cut out a piece the same size as the lid. Then, i cut out the screen of the top with a razor and used super glue on the edges of the frame and put the plexiglass in it. Just make sure you put holes in it so the snake can get some fresh air :). Ill post pctures in a second.


Yeah post pictures! :)

[Trollbie]

Changing the water daily when keeping it over the UTH. That's what I was referring to.

So I wouldn't need another water dish, right?

[BarelyBreathing]

It's not a horrible idea (especially for a snake who needs such a humid environemt), but I wouldn't say "DROP EVERYTHING AND GO!"

[Trollbie]

It's not a horrible idea (especially for a snake who needs such a humid environemt), but I wouldn't say "DROP EVERYTHING AND GO!"

I'm gonna look through my tupperware collection and see if I have a nice shallow one that i could use... Reptile ones are too expensive :(

[BarelyBreathing]

Here's what I use:

All Living Things® Nibble Bowls - Bowls & Water Bottles - Small Pet - PetSmart (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752726)

Find them at Petsmart in the small animal section.

[snakekid6996]

http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s437/tlppkp12/103.jpg
http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s437/tlppkp12/106.jpg
http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s437/tlppkp12/105.jpg

[Trollbie]

Here's what I use:

All Living Things® Nibble Bowls - Bowls & Water Bottles - Small Pet - PetSmart (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752726)

Find them at Petsmart in the small animal section.

That's too bright for my tank haha. But we used those for our hamster :D

[Trollbie]

http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s437/tlppkp12/103.jpg
http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s437/tlppkp12/106.jpg
http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s437/tlppkp12/105.jpg

That's a really awesome idea! Thanks!!!!!! :D

[snakekid6996]

np :) You only have to spray it down once or twice a week to keep humidity around 80%

[Trollbie]

np :) You only have to spray it down once or twice a week to keep humidity around 80%

Where did you buy the plexi glass and how much was it? Yours looks better than the piece of acrylic I have

[snakekid6996]

Where did you buy the plexi glass and how much was it? Yours looks better than the piece of acrylic I have

I got it at lows. It was only about 10-15 dollars for a piece that was about 25"X25" I think. I had to cut it because my lid was 10"X20"

[Trollbie]

Updated set up.

http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll256/Czechish/52c1f1b9.jpg

[Trollbie]

I cannot get enough of his wittle cuteness!
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll256/Czechish/7a86336b.jpg

[snakekid6996]

Uggg I wana brb :( but my new snake is still amazing :). I love your tank set up. Willing check out the pics of my new tank I posted and tell me what you think please?? Give me any suggestions or advise you have. :) thanks

[snakekid6996]

*will you




Llalala

[Trollbie]

I'm practically still a snake noob and you're asking me for suggestions? :p

[insignia100]

If it were me, I would get a fluorescent strip light and mount it to the underside of a mesh screen lid. Then cover the lid with aluminum foil. That way you have light (including the possibility of full spectrum suitable for plants) as well as a sealed top to keep in the humidity.

[Trollbie]

If it were me, I would get a fluorescent strip light and mount it to the underside of a mesh screen lid. Then cover the lid with aluminum foil. That way you have light (including the possibility of full spectrum suitable for plants) as well as a sealed top to keep in the humidity.

That's also not a bad idea!

[snakekid6996]

Well I'm just a 14 year old kid who has a corn snake and a new boa and you listened to my advise on the lid :p so im willing to listen to Any ideas you have. Besides you can just give me input on how you think the tank looks and what I could possibly do to make it look better.

[shaunyboy]

Ugh... so complicated! Thanks for pointing it out though!

But does it matter if I change the water every day?

no

but you should have the snakes drinking water bowl in the COOL end of the tank

cheers shaun

[infernalis]

I use sheets of plywood.

Home depot will even cut it for you.