Building a humidifier - Page 2

Trollbie · 04-08-12, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

Like 80% at least? For this cutie

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 · 04-08-12, 02:04 PM

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

jarich · 04-08-12, 02:05 PM

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 · 04-08-12, 02:05 PM

I really want a bromeliad in there

GarterPython · 04-08-12, 02:07 PM

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 · 04-08-12, 02:13 PM

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

Trollbie · 04-08-12, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

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 · 04-08-12, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

GarterPython · 04-08-12, 02:21 PM

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 · 04-08-12, 02:23 PM

I just can't keep a plant alive

If I want to keep plants, I have to keep them with animals lol.

GarterPython · 04-08-12, 02:25 PM

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

Trollbie · 04-08-12, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarterPython

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

GarterPython · 04-08-12, 02:30 PM

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

Trollbie · 04-08-12, 02:34 PM

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 · 04-08-12, 03:07 PM

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!