Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

mrjingles · Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 8:30 pm Post subject: newbie

hey all, ive been given a corn snake for free due to past owner not got the room for it.the tank is nearly complete, i have thermostat set to 85 on the heat mat, cool end is showing 71 - 73 on the thermometer. the only problem now is humidity! its 83%+ its way too high rite? i have no idea why its that high, the water bowl is up against the glass in the cool area, there are two vents at the top of each side of the lid, how can i lower the humidity other than drilling more holes in the tank top, will that even lower it enough?
thanks alot,hope someone can help =]

some pics for ya...

lovesnakes · Key Member Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 323 Location: essex

Hi mrjingles
looking at your set up i can't see that the humidity will/should be a problem!?!
I can only assume at this time that it's giving a false reading Confused

any chance you could post a pic' of the top showing vents?

Be sure to check the temp' on or around the area where you have placed the heat mat. the thermostats are very good but you will need to check on the temp' from time to time. i often find, depending on heat sorce, you need to set the temp' dial a few degrees lower than what your actually looking to provide. there are a few variables to take in to account, like placement of sensor, substrate can influance heat distribution, and so on.

do you have additional heat source like light bulb or ceramic heater?

nice looking corn you have there, hope you enjoy your new friend Smile

hope this is of some help.

Andy
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best of luck in the new season

snakelily · Contributing Member Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 51

You have to get a screen top asap. This high a humidity would cause disease even in a ball python (blister disease to be exact), and balls NEED higher humidity. For corns 60-70 percent tops, from what I've read. The humidity gauge should be toward the bottom of cage (I don't remember where you have it).

Cute snake. Enjoy! They are great pets.

lovesnakes · Key Member Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 323 Location: essex

snakelily is absolutely right.
looking back at what i opened with i should of made myself clearer.
what i meant was, looking at your set up I'd be very surprised if those sort of humidity levels were achievable.

you should definitely check it, if the humidity levels really are that high, then follow snakelily's advice Smile

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best of luck in the new season

mrjingles · Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 6:58 pm Post subject:

hey im back, got the trusty drill out and made as many holes as possible in the lid. the tempreture is still the same but the humiditys dropped to 68%. i still need to ad the bigger water bowl but its gunna increase the humidity so im rather stuck!
i have no other heat source either. the room humidity is around 50%. im gunna follow your advice and buy a new humidity tester ASAP.

thanks for the replies!

stubeanz · Key Member Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 350 Location: herts

i thought the snake was floating in the first pic Laughing

stu
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if you cant afford the vet, dont get the pet!

lovesnakes · Key Member Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 323 Location: essex

quasimodo · Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 6:03 pm Post subject:

I do think that the water bowl that is shown could be part of the problem. It looks to be shallow but with a large surface area. I would change it for one that has a smaller surface area.

mrjingles · Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 8:32 pm Post subject: hey

hey, thanks for the replies, ive got some new pics of the DIY ventalation and some of the lil guy, i bought a new humidity tester and its showing 70%, the room temp and humidity outside the tank is 76.5degrees and 41%humidity. any ideas of decreasing the humidity even more anyone?im gunna try the water bowl theory you guys where on about and ile let you know. ive also bought some jungle vine and a new hide to give him more coverage. what ya reckon? any suggestions welcome =]

lovesnakes · Key Member Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 323 Location: essex

interior looking good Smile

however, the lid should definitely be replaced, despite your efforts and work, that type of lid just isn't secure enough!

as the snake grows that sliding glass access panel on the top will be no match for the snakes cunning, they're excellent escape artists! ! !

as snakelily mentioned earlier, you really should start to inquire in to the tough screen tops, designed for glass aquariums.
start with any reptile shop in your area or maybe post a request on here to find out if anyone knows of a UK supplier. . . .

keep up the good work Smile

Andy
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best of luck in the new season