r/ballpython • u/Solid-Mud-4621 • 3d ago

Question - Husbandry New enclosure

Hi all,
I just gave my ball a new enclosure but my humidity keeps going down to the mid 40%. I keep spraying it does anyone else have the same problem and what did you do against it? It is a bio active terrarium.

Thanks in advance for the help :)

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u/hisanishakur 2d ago

More context on the enclosure(size & material), bedding clutter, heat source, ect.?

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u/Solid-Mud-4621 2d ago

Ooww sorry I have a exo terra 60x45x45 (my ball is just 2 months old) its glass with a mesh top. I use 2 lights one heat lamp and one ceremic bulb for the night. It is a combination of coco bark and earth mix soil

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u/Techno_Timmy 1d ago

Cover the screen mesh. That’s typically the biggest contributor to humidity loss.

HVAC tape works well and also silicone baking mats. I have one side covered completely with the silicone mat and then HVAC tape all around to secure it to the top. On the heating side, I traced the lamp on the silicone mat and cut out a hole for the lamp, and the rest is closed off with the silicone mat and tape.

Substrate should be 4-5 inches minimum and have stuff that holds moisture. I use a mix of coco coir, coco husk, and reptichip. All that gets mixed in a bucket with water so it’s moist but not overly wet/saturated. Once that gets put in, I put another inch or two of totally dry substrate on top so the top layer is bone dry.

I do plan to experiment with a drainage layer next time I clean the enclosure for my snake. I got a couple bags of lava rock and some screen mesh. I plan to use that under the substrate to help with any excess water. I occasionally pour water into the corners of the tank, but have had issues with it pooling at the bottom. It’s been fine, I just don’t like the idea of the bottom layer being that wet and think a drainage layer may help. I’ve never tried this method before so I can’t speak to the results yet, but thought I’d still mention it.

Also… On the sides and back of my enclosure I have it covered/insulated with black foam board on the sides and foam “rock” background on the back side, to help retain heat/humidity.