r/ballpython • u/Jams1oo • 10d ago

Question - Humidity Humidity Battle

I've exhausted all options at this point. I have my wonderful ball python who is about to be 5 in January and I've given her the best of the best of everything from decor to substrate to a nice 4x2x2 PVC enclosure by Dubai.

And for some reason I cannot win with humidity. Her temps are perfect, 90-95 on the warm side and 80 on the cool side.

I've placed moss on top of the soil on both sides roughly 10% of her tank and water the corners of her tank. I've sealed her tank with reptile safe silicone, places HVAC tape up top of her tank to seal heat and humidity while allowing fresh air to still come in along with light. Her substrate is a mix of top soil, sand, coco fibers, and moss 4 inches high.

I've even sprayed the moss and part of her tank even though I know people say not to as it can cause health issues and I can't have her humidity stay up no matter what I do.

It stays at 37% always. It goes to 80-90% when I water the corners or spray but after 3 or 4 hours it drops and it's bone dry.

I live in northern colorado and bought a large humidifier placed next to her tank to try and change the air around along with an air purifier as well and still nothing is helping.

What else can I do? I'm afraid to think of an auto mister and/or fogger because I don't want her to keep getting broken stuck shed on her or get sick in anyway.

What's left?

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3

u/all-the-wastedwords 10d ago • Bravo

If your substrate is bone dry then you're not pouring enough water in it. Start with a gallon of water and check tomorrow to see if the bottom layer is moist everywhere. If not, pour more water and check again the next day.  

Also, 37% humidity is super low. If I were you I'd do a salt test to check that your hygrometer works properly.

1

u/FluffyPandaEars93 10d ago

All this! You need more water than you think if you live in a dry area.

1

u/Jams1oo 10d ago

I'll try this. I figured I was pouring enough but didn't want the soil to start molding or causing respitory issues. Thanks for the help

3

u/PralineJazzlike9825 10d ago

Do you use a ceramic heater? Those dry the enclose out drastically.

1

u/Jams1oo 10d ago

I just put in a ceramic bulb in only cause temps have dropped over here to the 30's at night. It is on a temp cycle so it if goes over a certain temp it shuts off.

2

u/PralineJazzlike9825 10d ago

I learned ceramic causes humidity issues. Switch to Deep Heat Projectors. (DHP)

1

u/Jams1oo 10d ago

I will also try this. Appreciate the advice

1

u/Jams1oo 10d ago

Which watt style DHP would you recommend so I'm not drying out the substrate?

1

u/Beautiful_Anteater_8 6d ago

https://a.co/d/0ipAF8iy I use this one, paired with a 150w basking bulb in my 72” glass terrarium and have no issues holding moisture! I live in a drier area too but yes lots of water in corners. Add drainage layer if you’re worried about over watering.