Misting question

[Katie779]

Meatball is doing great, but I'm a little concerned about the level of moisture in his enclosure. I think that the eco-earth is getting MUCH too wet, but in order to keep the humidity up I still have to spray (even though the eco-earth has little puddles in it). Is this harmful? I already have half the screen lid covered with foil and the other half has his light. The humidity never drops below around 81% on average, with me misting once a day. It just seems like the eco-earth holds so much water, I'm worried it's too much. Around the water bowl I can usually see that the bottom of the tank is slightly flooded (about a half inch of water). Am I doing something wrong?

Anyway, here's a cute pic of Meatball!

[Mentat]

The Eco Earth should be slightly damp so it starts to clump in fist without squeezing water out. From your description; you are over spraying and have too much water in substrate. A wet substrate will breed bacteria and rot. Humidity can oscillate between 80% (right after misting) and 70%. Misting is adding a light layer of mist to enclosure walls, decor, and substrate. There is no need to create pools in the substrate when doing that. Good luck !

[Katie779]

Ok, it definitely seems like I was over misting. Do I need to change the eco-earth, or can I just let it dry out a little? I did a complete change about a week ago so it's fairly new.

[MatthewM1]

You can take handfulls and squeeze them out over a bucket and toss the substrate around and pack it back down

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[Katie779]

Oh, duh. That was a dumb question! lol Thanks!

[NialR35]

Ok, it definitely seems like I was over misting. Do I need to change the eco-earth, or can I just let it dry out a little? I did a complete change about a week ago so it's fairly new.

I was having the same problem, but now I only mist once a day and just mist the glass, water bowl and plants only. The substrate stays moist alone if the humidity sustains at 80%. What you can do is increase lighting if you are using a lamp or uncover a portion of your terrarium to let the substrate dry a bit. I'm glad your baby recovered and is doing well!

[COOCOpUcHoo]

Where exactly is your hygrometer? If it is at the top of the tank, it may be a bit inaccurate. Remember, Packies are terrestrial and live on the floor.

[Katie779]

Where exactly is your hygrometer? If it is at the top of the tank, it may be a bit inaccurate. Remember, Packies are terrestrial and live on the floor.

Haha I know, I have it stuck to the back of the tank about 3 inches above the substrate.