Humidity Loss

[DiscoPat]

So I have noticed in the passed 2 days Steve's enclosure's humidity has dropped to about 53-60% (Which is just a little higher than the relative humidity in the last few days.) Up until recently it has been able to hold 75+ basically indefinitely.

Also it is holding temperature fine regardless of the temperature outside the enclosure. I turned the dial down on some of the heating lamps but this did nothing to keep the humidity up.

I am wondering what would be the best way to check for a leak in the structure. If I can't find it I am just going to recaulk the whole enclosure.

I have also noticed that the dirt just under the surface is still pretty damp and the humidity in his burrows has not been affected.

[SpOoKy]

Can you add a bit of water to the substrate and stir it around a bit. See if that gets it up and keeps it up for a bit. It is possible you are loosing some of it when you are opening the door for feeding.

[DiscoPat]

A little is lost at feeding time, but not a substantial amount, the door is only about a 2' by 2' opening.

I tried that, as well as misting, I got it up to 75 but within the next 2 days it was down to 57.

This thread has pictures of the enclosure. I have replaced the plexiglass doors with thick cabinet doors.
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/varanid/93300-steve-lizard-4.html

[reptile man]

you can try an humidifier on a timer

[ilovemypets1988]

firstly, have you sealed around the internal edges when you were building it (seems obvious but some forgets to do it)

secondly, is that wood bare as if so, it could be absorbing some of the air born moisture, bringing the humidity down within a few days.

sorry if that seems alittle over blunt.

[DeadlyDesires]

i usually soak the first layer of the enclosure ever couple days.. only because i dont like it drying out.. but mine holds humidity pretty well.. have you made sure you aren't losing it anywhere on the tank? like it isn't sealed properly?

[murrindindi]

[QUOTE=DiscoPat;821117]So I have noticed in the passed 2 days Steve's enclosure's humidity has dropped to about 53-60% (Which is just a little higher than the relative humidity in the last few days.) Up until recently it has been able to hold 75+ basically indefinitely.

Hi, when you say the level has dropped, are you talking in the "air space" above ground, if yes, that`s perfectly acceptable so long as the humidity is 70%+ in the burrows/hides.
No doubt it would be higher during the night too, if you turn the heating down. To have the rh at 75% above ground all the time isn`t necessary at all, and would be practically impossible to achieve throughout the enclosure (it`s always going to be lowest around the basking area).

[SpOoKy]

I tried that, as well as misting, I got it up to 75 but within the next 2 days it was down to 57.

Humm, it is strange that it happened out of nowhere. I am wondering if maybe your hydrometer has bonked out on you?

[DeadlyDesires]

[QUOTE=DiscoPat;821117]So I have noticed in the passed 2 days Steve's enclosure's humidity has dropped to about 53-60% (Which is just a little higher than the relative humidity in the last few days.) Up until recently it has been able to hold 75+ basically indefinitely.

Hi, when you say the level has dropped, are you talking in the "air space" above ground, if yes, that`s perfectly acceptable so long as the humidity is 70%+ in the burrows/hides.
No doubt it would be higher during the night too, if you turn the heating down. To have the rh at 75% above ground all the time isn`t necessary at all, and would be practically impossible to achieve throughout the enclosure (it`s always going to be lowest around the basking area).

What can you use to measure the humidity in the borrows? i need to get one.. my humidity stays at 80% most of the time and 65% around the basking area..

[murrindindi]

[QUOTE=murrindindi;821171]

What can you use to measure the humidity in the borrows? i need to get one.. my humidity stays at 80% most of the time and 65% around the basking area..


Hi, any digital hygrometer will measure the humidity in the burrows so long as it`s small enough to fit down. I use this type (behind the monitor`s head)...
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6881945734_c8dc7236fd.jpg (http:///photos/62077372@N05/6881945734/)
[url=http://www.photos/62077372 [url=http://www.people/62077372

[DiscoPat]

firstly, have you sealed around the internal edges when you were building it (seems obvious but some forgets to do it)

secondly, is that wood bare as if so, it could be absorbing some of the air born moisture, bringing the humidity down within a few days.

sorry if that seems alittle over blunt.

Yes, and the wood has a clear coat sealant on it.


, when you say the level has dropped, are you talking in the "air space" above ground, if yes, that`s perfectly acceptable so long as the humidity is 70%+ in the burrows/hides.
No doubt it would be higher during the night too, if you turn the heating down. To have the rh at 75% above ground all the time isn`t necessary at all, and would be practically impossible to achieve throughout the enclosure (it`s always going to be lowest around the basking area).

Yes above the ground, about 5-6 inches above the surface.

I like to keep the humidity a little on the higher end because he is much more active when it is and he is in his burrows less.

[murrindindi]

Hi again, if you keep the humidity above ground and throughout at around 75% and over the whole time your monitor is going to have health problems, they must also be allowed to "dry out" at times (not dehydrate, of course).
Perhaps the drop is due to the substrate drying out, I see there`s nothing over the top of the soil? You can use leaves, bark etc, that should keep it moist, and help stabilise the humidity.

[DiscoPat]

Hi again, if you keep the humidity above ground and throughout at around 75% and over the whole time your monitor is going to have health problems, they must also be allowed to "dry out" at times (not dehydrate, of course).
Perhaps the drop is due to the substrate drying out, I see there`s nothing over the top of the soil? You can use leaves, bark etc, that should keep it moist, and help stabilise the humidity.


Around his basking spot stays at a lower humidity than the rest of his enclosure.

I used to have grass in there but it has died. I have been considering replanting some. I could also try to add leaves and such.

[murrindindi]

Around his basking spot stays at a lower humidity than the rest of his enclosure.

I used to have grass in there but it has died. I have been considering replanting some. I could also try to add leaves and such.

I thought you were trying to get at least 75% humidity all through which would be impossible, but it`s inevitable and acceptable that it`s relatively low around the basking area.
I doubt grass will last too long (apart from the monitor digging around), but if you wanted to try you`ll need to use a certain type of lighting for any real chance of success, the T5 fluorescent tubes emitt twice as much light as other types, and not expensive to buy.
I saw the enclosure build thread, you`ve made a good job of it (well done), do you have any very recent pics (especially of the interior)?

[DiscoPat]

The grass when I had it usually had to be replanted quite frequently but each time it would grow back faster.

I will look for one, would Lowes or Home Depot carry one?

Thank you, I do plan on making an even better enclosure whenever I move. Probably sometime in a year or two. I don't have any recent pics currently. I could take some once I get home.