iHerp Answers: Suggestions for Maintaining Ambient Humidity w/ Ceramic Heat

iHerp Answers!

Problem?

Search Create an Account, It's Free!

Home > iHerp Answers > Suggestions for Maintaining Ambient Humidity w/ Ceramic Heat

Suggestions for Maintaining Ambient Humidity w/ Ceramic Heat

Posted By:

bwaffa

Well I never thought I'd be asking this one while living in New Orleans...

I'm actually struggling to maintain ambient humidity in the snake room over the winter as the Lasko ceramic heater I'm using to maintain ambient temperature seems to totally dry the air. Now for most of the truly tropical snake species I have offered humidity boxes within their enclosures and this does seem to help the snakes self-regulate to some extent, but even the moss in these boxes is drying out quickly with relative humidity frequently dipping into the 30% and 40% ranges. (Compare this to the 80% relative humidity the room maintains in summer with no supplemental humidity added lol!) I've tried keeping the door sealed and have even put a Vicks vaporizer in the middle of the room. This always seems to bump the humidity up 10 or 20 points, but it's not really enough, it only lasts 24-48 hours, and it's a hassle to keep refilling.

I hate to scrap the heater I have as it's quite functional and has a built in thermostat (I wouldn't really know what to replace it with anyway!). I doubt I'm the only one fighting to maintain humidity during the dry of winter, so I thought I'd throw this out there. Any suggestions would be truly appreciated. Thanks!

Brad


Points:	150
Topics:	General Health , Heating
Tags:	Ceramic, Heating, Humidity
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Accepted Answer

12/7/2009 12:11:37 PM

dalvers63

The humidifier is the best way to go, though I know what a pain they can be to keep filled. If your room is big enough, have you thought of an open top fish tank or maybe a turtle tub? If the room is warm enough they will provide the usual evaporation and wouldn't need to be filled as often.

If you figure out a way other than one of the above, I'd love to hear about it. My guys would appreciate it, too!

Member Comment

12/7/2009 12:30:11 PM

Lashman

Yeah, normal winter problem depending where you live! Deb's ( hope I'm remembering correctly?!) advice I agree. Also would like to say to everyone remember to check everyone as climate conditions changing, diffenately here! And winter officially beginning! And as stated a closed cold house being heated tends to dry out air and change some enviroment conditions!

Member Comment

12/7/2009 2:50:06 PM

Geckofactor

Bigger humidifier or if you know anyone who is into outdoor ponds or someone that has a pond fogger fill a small tub of water put it in the middle of the room and throw that in there your room will look like an 80's rock video and the humidity will be more than high enough.

Assisted Answer

12/7/2009 3:17:02 PM

shellboa

I fill empty plastic milk jugs and put them EVERYWHERE...I wonder if moss pots in the room would help...like keep a litter box full of moss and keep it damp and put it by the heater...I find that the snakes lower down in the rack are better than the ones up higher (duh heat rises) so I end up just rotating every one through the bath at any opportunity.

Um on the jugs I poke holes in the lids and put the lids on so the water can evaporate but if they tip its not an instant disaster, theres a chance to upright them before the entire gallon dumps.

Member Comment

12/7/2009 3:25:48 PM

Geckofactor

Oh if you can find a local nursery with cheap bromeliads that works too they hold the water pretty well just put like 4 of them in the room keep them watered.

Member Comment

12/7/2009 4:11:00 PM

Ricky

You can try using mulch as a substrate. I'm using mulch in most of my cages. Spray it down if it starts to dry out. It'll work wonders.

Member Comment

12/7/2009 4:50:58 PM

xanaxez

depending on the size of ceramic heater, if its a large stand up heater then set a pot of water on top of it. if it isnt then id suggest a large humidifier or 2 small ones.

Assisted Answer

12/7/2009 6:26:33 PM

gfx

Trade the ceramic heater in for an oil filled radiator heater, it won't dry the air out like a ceramic heater will. I've seen people regulate them with a Helix basic thermostat to keep a constant room temperature.

Member Comment

12/8/2009 11:35:14 AM

vonnick52

Kiddie pool in the middle of the room?

Member Comment

12/8/2009 11:37:59 AM

gfx

I was thinking about it. Maybe you should just start a winter hydroponic crop in there. The pool's a good idea too, but I'd make it a couple of ice buckets for your beer. Small rooms must dual purpose, ya know?

Member Comment

12/8/2009 9:10:34 PM

vonnick52

End of finals= great excuse for swimming pool sized beer cooler....Julie FTW.

Member Comment

12/10/2009 3:21:32 AM

amarilrose

LMAO! I'll second that vote Nick!

I think Julie had the best suggestion for ambient temps too! - the oil-filled radiator heater

of course, if you go with a fish tank, I have a full-grown oscar and his attending clean-up fish that need a new home! ;)

Member Comment

12/10/2009 6:35:03 PM

Aimee

in the winter I just don't run the fan when I shower. being in Seattle you have to be mold-conscious and keep your eyes out for fungus in the closets, but it keeps the humidity up a bit and sheds go better. I also put beaked moss in pretty much every cage over the base substrate (cresties, day geckos, and pythons). it holds the water in pretty well, looks good, and gives them all a place to burrow.

Member Comment

12/11/2009 4:30:19 PM

crazysnakelady

I also use a humidifier. It helps out a lot!

Member Comment

12/14/2009 1:56:48 PM

iashia

yeah, i just hooked up my giant, ancient humidifier...my pajama pants were sticking to my legs and i got sick of spraying the cages every 3 hours... almost instant result. humidities back up and my pajama pants are comfy again

Assisted Answer

12/14/2009 4:28:59 PM

JohnJohn

Well, Ohio must be similar to NewOrleans in that it is humid as hell in the summer but gets so dry in the winter. Drive's me nuts.

I keep a few plants in the room and water them well. I like the idea of bromeliads. I need to get a few!

I also give many of my snakes bigger than necessary water bowels in the winter and keep them full to the top. I find that really helps a lot with humidity.

I also run around with my mister like a crazy man misting the air several times a day.

Wow, I never considered that as an excuse to get turtles or other watery things, but....hhhmmmmm.

I'm anxious for winter to be over! I know it just started.

You are not logged in. If you would like to participate (it's free!), you must log in, or Become a Member!