Hey guys substrate and hygrometer question?

[kwhitlock]

What kind of substrate you guys like to use for BRBs? Currently I am using paper towel until QT is over and he gets his new cage once that rolls around. I was thinking of cyprus mulch, eco earth, coconut husk or reptibark. I have heard good and bads just wondering what you guys would use :)

Also any one have good hygrometer that they wouldnt mind pointing toward my way? I have an exo-terra temp/hygo in there now with a cheapy digital one. Any actual good quality ones that you guys know of, only reason I ask my house dries out bad during winter (woodstove, not so good for humidity) just want to make sure I am keeping the humidty at the actual real humidty levels needed. Thank you!

[Kid Boa]

Good morning.

All the substrates you list will do fine for a BRB. If you use the eco earth, watch for mold, I have had minor issues with this. Personally I prefer Cyprus mulch, I have been using this for years and have never had any kind of issue and it hold moisture very well.

[kwhitlock]

I was leaning more toward reptibark or Cyprus. Just trying to decide which one. Isn't Cyprus not likely to mold?

[Kid Boa]

Cyprus mulch is not prone to mold unless some contaminant has found it way into the bag.

[Charis]

I usually prefer the Zilla Jungle mix stuff for our high humidity species, it seems to keep the humidity better than Eco Earth but I will use Eco Earth if I can't find the Jungle mix. Our ambient humidity is usually around 10% here in arid Idaho, so keeping the high humidity cages at the proper level is fun! We also run a small humidifier in the reptile room during the winter when the heat is on a lot, since that makes the house even drier and that helps a lot.

[Rainbowsrus]

Lol, even though I have many BRB's I can't tell you first hand how any of those substrates will work. All mine are on paper in one room so the whole room is humid automatically. I've read pretty much all work well, some better than others in specific situations and yes, any that are less prone to mold are clearly the better choice.

Hygrometers - all my research has indicated they are at best inaccurate. I do not have one single hygrometer, I simply provide humidity. If you do get a hygrometer you can test it's accuracy by placing it in a bag with table salt. Once it stabilizes the humidity should be 75%. The number on your hygrometer (along with a little math) will give you the percentage it's off. for example if it reads 82.5% then it's 82.5/75*100 = 110% of actual.

[kwhitlock]

Thanks a lot guys for the info, I will check out the jungle mix, forgot about that completely.

And Dave to the rescue again haha. Thanks for that info on the hygrometer!

[Snakesitter]

Any of those substrates will work fine. Just remember to spot clean regularly to prevent mold...and remember rainbows will often bury their "treasures." ;-)

I only have one hygrometer, but it's a computer-controlled unit, and only used as a secondary check. Instead I rely on seeing good sheds and condensation on the sides of the hides. That said...I hear the digital models are much better than the dial ones.

Good luck!

[pinsonoso]

I personally like repti bark and use "all living things" brand thermo/hygro combo .the hygrometer works well cause when i take the lid off the reading starts dropping instantly and vise versa