Humidity help!

[snakekid6996]

Originally Posted by hellosugaree

I wouldn't be surprised if that thing measured 50% RH when it was actually 100%...

If you don't have the cash to buy a real hygrometer, try this method and see what your hygrometer reads. I would guess that it is way off:

Calibrate Hygrometer | Salt Test Method - CigarPass.com

Make sure you leave it in the bag for long enough (at least 24 hours).

So when I do the salt test however far off it is from 75% I just add or subtract from what it's reading in the tank??

[Brazen17]

Why do you want to have a 75% humidity level or did I miss something?

[Raan]

I made my lid out of plywood, and cut a hole with a jigsaw just big enough for the lamp to sit in, and put a gaurd of aluminum netting/ mesh, and it doesnt heat up no matter how long the light shines on it. I do have to spray it once every day and a half though.

also I found these one another thread on the forum and I picked up something similar at home depot and use them in my tank

Amazon.com: Ambient Weather WS-0101 Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer with Indoor Temperature and Outdoor Temperature and Humidity: Home & Kitchen

[snakekid6996]

Originally Posted by Raan

I made my lid out of plywood, and cut a hole with a jigsaw just big enough for the lamp to sit in, and put a gaurd of aluminum netting/ mesh, and it doesnt heat up no matter how long the light shines on it. I do have to spray it once every day and a half though.

also I found these one another thread on the forum and I picked up something similar at home depot and use them in my tank

Amazon.com: Ambient Weather WS-0101 Wireless Thermo-Hygrometer with Indoor Temperature and Outdoor Temperature and Humidity: Home & Kitchen

My grandpa has some plexiglass he's going to cut out to fit the top of the tank. I'm going to drill a couple holes in it and hang the lights above it. I just need a way to keep it up until then.

[snakekid6996]

Originally Posted by hellosugaree

I wouldn't be surprised if that thing measured 50% RH when it was actually 100%...

If you don't have the cash to buy a real hygrometer, try this method and see what your hygrometer reads. I would guess that it is way off:

Calibrate Hygrometer | Salt Test Method - CigarPass.com

Make sure you leave it in the bag for long enough (at least 24 hours).

Mmkay so I did this and my hygrometer is dead on. So, I know its not that. My humidity is just to low.

[Snakesitter]

Snakekid, I keep over 30 Brazilian Rainbows, a rather humidity-sensitive species, and I've found the number one item is to limit ventillation with the outside world. You sound like you are on the right rack with plexi, but remember to drill only a few holes to start -- it is much easier to add than take away. In the meantime, try plastic wrap or a trash bag, which will trap damp air better than a towel.

Once you have the plexi in place, you can boost internal levels by increasing the size of your water bowl (more surface area equals more evaporation), using a humidity-retaining substrate (so that any misting by you or spills made by your snake are caught and then slowly released back into the air), and if still not working adding a moist hide (a regular hide packed with sphagnum moss).

Good luck!

[Edmond Y]

Don't be too anal about the humidity level, sometimes dryer or sometimes a little wet, just like the wild is fine.

Edmond

[Charlie64]

^^^ Agreed, I keep a few high humidity species as well, Varying humidity does create a more realistic environment. Anyway, as Snakesitter was referring to, a moisture retaining substrate, I've found that Cypress Mulch works very well for boosting humidity levels, plus it's non-toxic to snakes. Cypress mulch combined with a dripper, or daily misting should yield your desired results. If you go that route make sure you get Cypress Mulch and not Cypress Blend, as it has other types of wood which may be toxic blended into it. To top it off Cypress mulch runs 2 dollars for a 40lb bag at most hardware stores.
Good luck with your boa!

[Kratos]

I did the same for my BRB with the plexi glass top and my humidity is now at a constant 80%-95% sometimes it get to 100% which I dont know if its bad for the snake or not? Also make sure you leave a cut out area where the heat from your heat lamp will pass threw. If not the heat wont get in and the plexi will start to bend and melt. Also I started using coconut peal substrate and ever since I added it the humidity stays high never under 70% just mist the damp side a bit and leave the hot side dry or mist if you like.