Substrate question

[Gravelanche]

So im setting up a tank for a BRB and with the high humidity requirements i thought it prudent to do a test run since the substrate is only $5 a brick

Im using eco earth, mixed up the batch and set it down in the tank as seen here

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545674_10151296118081239_1107515211_n.jpg

that was 4 days ago. i monitored the conditions and they hit my targets, however i noticed that there seemed to actually be loose water collecting underneath, after 4 days it doesnt seem to be any better

is this stuff suposed to hold THAT much water? first time i have used this kind of substrate or tried to hit this high a level.

[Mark Taylor]

Evaporation is a killer imo glass tanks are not ideal.

[lady_bug87]

You can replace the screen top with plexi and go with something like jungle earth

[Gravelanche]

this is what im using Exo Terra : Plantation Soil - Brick / Tropical Terrarium Substrate (http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/plantation_soil_brick.php)

seems really similar to the jungle earth.

but the problem isnt too little humidity, im just wondering if its normal / good for the substrate to stay physically WET for this long, not just damp or moist

[Mark Taylor]

When it evaporates you might have a problem with humidity.

[Zoo Nanny]

I wonder if you mixed it with soil if the water would remain in the mix and not collect underneath.

[Gravelanche]

When it evaporates you might have a problem with humidity.

im aiming for 95% or so, shouldnt be a problem

and zoo nanny i have some jungle mix, fir & sphagnum peat moss think that would do it if i mixed?

[Terranaut]

Evaporation is a killer imo glass tanks are not ideal.

Glass tanks are fine. It's screen tops that allow moisture to escape.

Yes ecoearth holds a lot of moisture. I pour a 1 litre bottle of water into my day gecko's viv every Sunday. She is in the same viv you have there but mine has the screen removed and replaced with a solid metal piece othere than where the uv light sits. Mine stays at 90% all the time in a room that is 50% all the time.

[Gravelanche]

cool, i will be sealing the top that is a given, but my simple question is, is it alright that there is some loose water at the bottom, if not would some sphagnum moss mixed in help?

[lady_bug87]

I personally wouldn't want it TOO wet since it can cause skin irritation or rot. Brbs are not 100% arboreal. You have to anticipate that it may spend time on the ground. I would use a mixture of stuff like eco earth and jungle earth so its humid but not wet

[Aaron_S]

Why not place a drainage layer of stones on the bottom?

[Gravelanche]

i think what i might do, along that line, is to just get an old sheet next time and let the substrate drain in that before i even put it in. then i can just keep it misted

[Corey209]

Whenever I soaked my bricks I would let the substrate dry outside for a few days, or just buy dry ecoearth.

[Gravelanche]

Whenever I soaked my bricks I would let the substrate dry outside for a few days, or just buy dry ecoearth.

yeah, sounds like a good plan, im really glad i did a test run this far in advance now

[KORBIN5895]

i think what i might do, along that line, is to just get an old sheet next time and let the substrate drain in that before i even put it in. then i can just keep it misted

I do this when I hydrate my substrate. To answer your question yes the cocohusk holds a crazy amount of water and it will work its way to the bottom.

Whenever I soaked my bricks I would let the substrate dry outside for a few days, or just buy dry ecoearth.

This method also works. I used to bake it in the oven to remove excess water. Now I put it in an old sheet or pillow case and hang it outside for a day or two.