Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Many recent posts talk mention "Ensure you have good air flow." Is there a method that can help with determining if the airflow is sufficient without losing to much heat/humidity? Is this something you should be able to sense by sticking your head in the cage and breathing what Jumbo is breathing? I also understand location of vents plays a part in this. How much? Which is better? Please explain if you would.
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

It sounds like you are alluding to some of my comments. I don't think you have to go overboard with ventilation but just making sure that you are providing a good cross flow of fresh air. This can oftentimes be accomplished just through large front sliding glass doors. I prefer both low and high vents so that hot air doesn't stagnate and fresh air is exchanged at about the same level where the snake spends most of its time. I also like to provide two side vents for additional air exchange; nothing fancy and nothing so big that you can't provide good humidity levels. Does this help?

>>Many recent posts talk mention "Ensure you have good air flow." Is there a method that can help with determining if the airflow is sufficient without losing to much heat/humidity? Is this something you should be able to sense by sticking your head in the cage and breathing what Jumbo is breathing? I also understand location of vents plays a part in this. How much? Which is better? Please explain if you would.
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>>DZ
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>>"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

doesn't size of the cage have something to do with it also? My cage is wooden and according to a formula from the cage forum is about 270 gallons. I have hinged doors on the front and there is a gap along the sides. The top and bottom are reinforced so no gap. I also have 2 3" round shower drain vents in the front between the doors. One hi and one low. Should I close these off and move them to the back for crossflow? The sides are mostly glass and would not be enough room. From what you are saying, and talking to Bob at Pro-Products, I may have enough venting, just not placed properly. Is there a general rule of how many square inches of venting per cubic footage of cage space?

I'm having a humidity issue so I'm trying to install an ultrasonic humidfier system in his cage which is driving my venting concern. Right now his cage will stay between 30's and 50's without my constant attention. It only started with the forced air heat in my house for the winter drying out the air in the house. I have a furnace humidifier but I guess it doesn't work to well. I just want to make sure I'm not assuming I understand what you are saying and make sure my snake has what he needs.

Thanx Rob!
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

There really isn't any set formula to follow. If there is any way to place a few of the round vents along the back wall, situated closer to the floor, that should be plenty. Even with your current set up, depending on the gap in the front, you may have plenty of air flow; believe me, it doesn't take a lot to create the proper environment so don't fret too much over it. It sounds like the way you have things now should be fine. I am assuming you open the doors once every day or so and that will provide lots of fresh air exchange.

>>doesn't size of the cage have something to do with it also? My cage is wooden and according to a formula from the cage forum is about 270 gallons. I have hinged doors on the front and there is a gap along the sides. The top and bottom are reinforced so no gap. I also have 2 3" round shower drain vents in the front between the doors. One hi and one low. Should I close these off and move them to the back for crossflow? The sides are mostly glass and would not be enough room. From what you are saying, and talking to Bob at Pro-Products, I may have enough venting, just not placed properly. Is there a general rule of how many square inches of venting per cubic footage of cage space?
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>>I'm having a humidity issue so I'm trying to install an ultrasonic humidfier system in his cage which is driving my venting concern. Right now his cage will stay between 30's and 50's without my constant attention. It only started with the forced air heat in my house for the winter drying out the air in the house. I have a furnace humidifier but I guess it doesn't work to well. I just want to make sure I'm not assuming I understand what you are saying and make sure my snake has what he needs.
>>
>>Thanx Rob!
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>>DZ
>>
>>"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

True, didn't think about the door opening aspect. Thanx for the help Rob.
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DZ

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell