HELP....how can I get humidity down

[pappy1264]

It had been in the 40's, but the past few days it has crept up and it is now in the 60's! She is in a 40 gal breeder, 100 watt basking lamp, 10.0 18" reptisun, temps where they should be, but humidity keeps going up. I use paper towels on bottom (she had MBD), changed them out again and it has not helped. What can I do? I know humidity that high is very dangerous, but don't know what to do to get it down (I don't own a dehumidifier). Can I use DampRid (or something like that)? We use it in our basement. Please help me, I don't want Gwen to get sick!!!

 

[LLLReptile]

I wouldn't worry about it. The heat light over the cage will dry it out, and you can watch her to make sure she remains alright. Keepers of tropical species of reptiles refer to glass tanks with heat lights as ideal ways to turn your animal into jerky, and in your case, with the high ambient humidity in the room, the light drying out the air in the cage will counteract that nicely.

Should be fine!

-Jen

 

[pappy1264]

No, I have had her for several weeks, and it is getting worse, not better. When I first got her, the humidity was less (same lights). But they have been creeping up (as is the overall humidity around here. We are surrounded by trees, and they are all turning green which really ups the humidity here.) So I need something else to do, she is going to get sick at this humidity level. I am very worried.

 

[CGuzmanReptiles]

Maybe buy a mini dehumidifier?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-Eva-Dry-E-333-Renewable-Wireless-Mini-Dehumidifier-/171023340935?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d1c91587

Never used it but I've heard people use it and works for them.
Do you have a water bowl in your terrarium? That can bump humidity quite a bit and its actually not necessary for dragons.

 

[pappy1264]

No, I do not. During the night, it went up more, was 71 this morning! I will have to get that stuff and try and then look into getting a small room dehumidifier and see if that will work. I also need to pick up a CHE, I have a 40 gal breeder tank, so assuming I need 100 watt CHE? Can I use the metal lamp I bought for my chicken brooder (it is rated for up to 250 watts) or do you need a special lamp for CHE's? Thank you.

 

[samchavles]

Put a cup of dry rice mixed with salt, high enough that your beardie can not eat it, inside the tank. Will absorb the excess moisture!

 

[pappy1264]

Thank you, will try that. Is it mixed at 50/50 or does it matter?

 

[samchavles]

More or less 50 50 but it doesn't need to be perfect

EDIT: actually, like an 80 - rice to 20 salt ratio

 

[pappy1264]

Ok, great, will try it tonight and see how it goes. Thank you so much. I love her and am so worried it is getting so high. Guess my house is just very humid.

 

[samchavles]

Where do you live that it is so humid? Also, make sure the humidity reader is not wet! Maybe even buy another one and see if the results are different!

 

[pappy1264]

I am using a brand new Accurite digital with probe (indoor/outdoor) that was recommended. Probe end is not not (neither is). I live in Massachusetts.

 

[pappy1264]

Unfortunately it did not help, humidity again this morning was at 71. Going to have to go get a dehumidifier, she is going to get sick. Also, need to get CHE, as it got very cold last night (we have had our heat off, as we have not needed it but it dropped alot during the night, her tank temp was only 66, but she has a UTH she lays on and I don't have a therm where she is lying, so I am sure it is warmer then that.) I just don't understand it.

 

[KristineM]

I live in Mass as well and had the same problem this week. Someone here suggested I up the heat in the actual room. Once I did that the humidity went down within minutes inside his tank If you can raise the temp in the room your beardies tank is in this should help you!

 

[pappy1264]

Yes, it def. goes up when the temp goes down. It is supposed to warm up today, which should help. I am going to grab a CHE today as well to keep on at night, that should help as well (and need to change my light to spot as it fluctuates too much on the temp.) Thank you. Where in MA are you? I am in Essex, north of Boston. Oops, saw after, you live in Grafton, that is south shore, correct? Weather here has been crazy!

 

[KristineM]

Yeah, we're like...central MA I suppose. About 45 minutes from where you are The last few days we were in 40's and 50's. today should hit 72!! Haha! Last week or so it was 91 so...I feel your frustration! I'm not positive but I don't know if the UTH is a good idea. I think if the temp goes below 66 or maybe 68 at night you'd want the CHE.

We will probably end up with a dehumidifier eventually. For now raising the temp in the house until our seasons figure themselves out seems to do the trick