Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I think I may be having a low humidity problem. I use cell sorb as a substrate because Grazianni told me that he uses this stuff with all his animals. I do know that he lives in florida and its more humid there than here in nyc. Should I switch over to aspen or will I then have a high humidity problem? What do you all think? Thanks

NYC...I would only use asphalt! Lol!

Why not try cypress, untreated from a local garden center.

You don't have to switch substrates, just get a humidifier for the room. I use unprinted newspaper (read: 0% humidity) and I keep things at 55% by using a 13g humidifier with percentage control.
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~* Jen *~

Pink Lady Constrictors

It seems a little more affordable to just switch substrates instead of buying a humidifier. I wish I could afford one because it would be real nice. /do you think cypress is better than aspen?

i believe that it is better. also its fairly cheap. cost about 2 bucks for a big bag at home depot. my snakes seems to like it better also.
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Jeff Stringer

For me, it is cheaper to have the humidifier. I paid $100 for it, and I don't have to go through large amounts of loose substrate. I paid $64 for my stack of newspaper sheets over a year ago, and I'm still not finished with the first stack. Compare that to having to change out loose substrate constantly and buy more bags constantly.
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~* Jen *~

Pink Lady Constrictors

where did u purchase ur humidifier?

Craigslist. It's a Bemis by Essickair 13g whole-house humidifier.
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~* Jen *~

Pink Lady Constrictors

From what I have heard, cell sorb soaks up all the humidity. I would switch over to some other substrate. If all else fails, cypress mulch would up your humidity.

I live in south jersey. i use a rack system with aspen. i have to watch the humidity in the winter so as not to get bad sheds. i simply mist the aspen once a day when the snake is ready to shed (after he has cleared the opaque phase). cypress is a good choice for substrate also. if you have any questions, shoot me an email. good luck. Rin

What are the diffeerences between aspen and mulch. Which is better and why would I pick to choose one instead of another. Thanks

most of the time it is personal preference. cypress is good for cages that require higher humidity. it absorbs moisture and holds it well without molding.
aspen is easy to use and spot clean. i dont mist my bp's, only at shed time in winter when the air is very dry.
try both and see which you prefer. cypress can be purchased inexpensively at a garden center. however, some times there are insects in it. i usually heat treat my cypress in the oven. 300 degrees for 20 minutes. it will kill any insects in the mulch. also be sure to get cypress that is not dyed or treated. Rin