Building a new tank for my Ball, want to do it right and could use some help

[rdubya]

Originally Posted by LadyWraith

If you check around the interwebs, you can find some great custom reptile enclosure ideas that will do everything you want with maintaining temps, humidity, etc.

Thanks Dani, I think I didn't word things correctly, were not looking at a custom fish aquarium, it will be a custom reptile tank with a closed top. As many others have noted, its not generally a great idea for it to be screen, but thats what I had.

[nyx]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

What do you have to say about snakes that get RI from too much humidity? Is it because of the humidity or because of bacterial/mold growth from unsanitary conditions?

I would say it was non-existent for anything except the most specialized of desert animals. If an animal acquires a respiratory infection, it either catches it or is stressed to the point of immune system repression by its environment.

TL;DR: clean up your dirty cages and your snakes don't get sick.

[B_Aller]

Originally Posted by rdubya

I should have noted that the screen top is sealed except for a small section for the heat lamps to keep heat and humidity in

sounds like you're on the right track, a little food for thought:
Holding humidity in a cage is like trying to hold water in a bucket; if you have even a tiny portion of the bottom of your bucket made out of screen would it hold water?
The humidity in your house should not have any effect on the humidity in the enclosure if properly made.
Best of luck, post some pics when done.
B

[rdubya]

Thanks B, is there realistically any problem with keeping the tank completely sealed though? I know snakes consume very little oxygen, obviously it won't be airtight but should there be some small vent holes correct? I would love to be able to eliminate the heat lamp if heat is contained through a solid top and no open spots for a heat lamp.

[B_Aller]

Originally Posted by rdubya

Thanks B, is there realistically any problem with keeping the tank completely sealed though? I know snakes consume very little oxygen, obviously it won't be airtight but should there be some small vent holes correct? I would love to be able to eliminate the heat lamp if heat is contained through a solid top and no open spots for a heat lamp.

Building an enclosure that actually is sealed generally doesn't happen due to doors/windows/ service openings. The small amount of air exchange you will get from the space around a swinging door or between the tracks of a slider should provide adequate ventilation. If you are worried, add a small vent at substrate level that has the ability to close, that way you can mess with it or adjust for seasonal changes etc.
Most of all, have fun making a cool set up!
Best.