Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone-seeking some advice on sphangnum moss & humidity levels. I have a large enclosure (72" by 24". I keep a gradient from about 70 on the cool side to about 93 on the hot. I have a difficult time maintaining optimal humidity levels (60-70%) for my snake depsite having 2 large water containers & misting periodically. I've cut back on the ventalation but am still having issues. I keep damp moss in a plastic hide to create a humid microenviroment to help things out. How often should I change the moss out? Does it mold quickly or can it create any potential health problems? Just wanting to hear other keepers experiences with it-particularly the change frequency.I change it when the snake utilizes it for his bathroom or every 3-4 days when he doesnt. Thanks for your help.

You keep Drymarchon, correct? Does the snake spend enough time in its moist hide to really benefit from it or does it spend a lot of time out in the open?

I keep Gonyosoma and while they do spend considerable time in their hides they also tend to deficate in them, meaning frequent moss changes. I try to use moist cypress mulch instead, which works very well. I do prefer sphagnum and use it when I suspect a snake is gravid.

I have not had an issue with sphagnum growing mould which makes sense due to its acidic nature.

You might consider buying an ultrasonic humidifier and running pipe from it into your cage. Keep it on a timer and you'll be surprised at how much you can increase the humidity with very little water.

Do a search of the gallery and you'll find pictures showing this. Some take PVC pipe, others work with 5/8" aquarium tubing.

Only downfall is that you need to use distilled or RO/DI water.

It creates a neat fog effect and you can also humidify more than one cage.

Thanks Chris-it is my erebennus Im refering to. I might end up going with a humidifier-given the nature of Drymarchon he's usually on the move from dawn till dusk........Thanks Again-take care