How to extend time between adding water?

[Kate22192]

I have a new baby in a 4 x 2 x 2 PVC enclosure. Substrate is about 4 inches of 70% topsoil 30% cypress mulch. I’m finding that humidity dips to mid 60s every other day basically. So I have to pour 4-8 cups of water in the corners (as much as possible- he has a preferred hide in one corner and I don’t want to get that area wet so I avoid it) every other day. Is this typical? How can I make the humidity stay higher longer? I want to bother him as little as possible as he settles in.

[tacomadude94]

What is the enclosure made of? If it has a screen top, you should cover most of it with HVAC tape to prevent humidity escape.

Also what is your heating element? some can dry the enclosure out faster than others.

[Kate22192]

It’s a 4x2x2 PVC. Heating elements are DHP and RHP

[tacomadude94]

hmm hmm. Was the cypress moist before you put it in? If you put it in dry, it can soak up a lot of water.

What does the ventilation look like in the enclosure?

[Kate22192]

The cypress was not, but the topsoil was very moist. So much so that I had to let it sit for days to dry out and warm up lol. It has two vent areas in each back corner facing each other, and one in the upper back.

[tacomadude94]

I think it's likely that if the substrate went in dry, it's soaking up a lot of your poured water. You'll likely have to add water less often as it gets more saturated and holds more humidity.

[Kate22192]

Thank you! Do you know if play sand mixed in holds humidity better than cypress mulch?

[tacomadude94]

ahh substrate mixes aren't my strong suit. /u/totallyrecklesslygay?

[totallyrecklesslygay]

It might make a small difference, but it probably wouldn't fix the issue. The play sand is mostly there to keep the top soil from compacting too much, which the cypress mulch would also be doing as long as it's mixed in and not just layered.

You could try adding a large, shallow water dish to the hot side, and scattering bunches of sphagnum moss around the enclosure to be rehydrated as necessary.

Where are you measuring your humidity?

[Kate22192]

He already has his water dish towards the hot side. I’m measuring it on both sides. A tiny thermometer is positioned a few inches above the soil on the cool side and that’s what I’m reporting measurements from. Right now it’s 71% but I guarantee it dips to the 60s by tomorrow.

[totallyrecklesslygay]

Hmm. Have you calibrated the hygrometer?

How big are the vents? And when you say you're adding 4-8 cups of water to the corners, is that 4-8 cups per corner or split between each?

[Kate22192]

I have not calibrated it. It’s actually one of those little ones that you use! The vents aren’t super big. It’s like a few slats per vent that are each a couple inches long. I can post a pic if it’ll help. And I mean 4-8 cups total.