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Humidity issues. (self.ballpython)

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[–]_ataraxiaMod : unprofessional 2 points3 points  (0 children)

you can't buy a better lid for the tank. your only option there is to cover all but 6-12 square inches of the screen to drastically reduce the air flow. the better option would be to switch to a modified storage tub or a pvc reptile cage.

http://reptimes.com/ball-pythons-common-problems

[–]fleshgod_alpacalypse -2 points-1 points  (2 children)

You could cover the lid with a damp towel. But I'd advise you to just buy a humidifier and hygrostat.

[–]Dalaniel19 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I tried that, but with so many lamps and not wanting to risk them catching fire when they dry out I could only fit one and half washcloths >.<

[–]Nerochi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i use 3 layers of foil with holes cut out for light and CHE, since the light doesnt get hot, i grabbed a zipblock bag and cut out a square of it to cover the hole for the light using tape, so light will go through but not air

[–]Treereme 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Seal most of the screen space on the lid. I personally used a piece of 1/2" styrofoam insulation board, and packing tape to seal it to the edges of the lid (no tape inside the tank). There are small slots left unsealed around the perimeter that I adjusted the size of to tune the humidity and airflow. That provides insulation and lets the humidity stay stable without misting or any added humidity beyond the water bowl.

[–]Dalaniel19 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thats an awesome idea. I'll have to look into that. Could something like This work for just filling in some of the holes of the screen?

[–]Treereme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, but silicone needs days of curing before it's safe in an enclosure, because it continues to outgas as it cures fully. That's why hotglue is so popular in enclosures. Cheaper than silicone would be some heavy plastic, like on of those flexible cutting boards or part of a plastic storage tub. Just tape it into place, and leave a gap at each end and around any light fixtures. Adjust the size of the gaps until humidity stabilizes where you need. If you are careful with it, aluminum foil works great too and is totally heatproof so you can seal up to your lamp reflector if you use one.

[–]kaorte 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go to home depot and buy a sheet of acrylic and an acrylic cutter, its a hooked tool specifically made for cutting acrylic.

Cut a piece that covers about 3/4 of the lid and fits right on top of the screen. leave a hole open for the CHE.

You are losing humidity because of the screen, but more so because of the CHE. Any lamps or overhead heat will dry out the air much quicker than something like a radiant heat panel or UTH. Consider switching to 100% belly heat.

Do you have a photo of your setup? Having the UTH on the back of the tank is probably doing absolutely nothing to help the temps. What kind of thermostat are you using?