Reptile bark question...

[J@50n]

I just bought a big bag of Repti-Bark I think it's called? And the humidy level of my tank went WAY UP! From 50% to 66%!!!??? Should I be concerned for my Garter? If so what is a solution to my problem? I would rather not spend a lot of money as I just spent over $70 today at Petsmart -.-

[Didymus20X6]

If I was to hazard a guess, I'd say the Repti-Bark had a lot of excess moisture stored in it. A bake in the oven at about 220f should help to reduce that significantly.

[jitami]

Assuming your garter is healthy now a temporary change in humidity shouldn't hurt anything. Think about the changes they encounter in the wild. I'm sure it will go down in a day or two and all will be well. You could bake it, as Didy says, but I wouldn't and don't think it's necessary.

[katach]

I think 66 is still ok. From what i've read below 70 is fine, but 50-60 is ideal. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[ConcinusMan]

Don't worry. If you're heating and ventilating your enclosure properly, reptibark will dry out fast. 66 isn't high anyway. That's fine.

Garters only run into problems if humidity is excessive (above 75) or below 40, constantly and long term.

[J@50n]

Don't worry. If you're heating and ventilating your enclosure properly, reptibark will dry out fast. 66 isn't high anyway. That's fine.

Garters only run into problems if humidity is excessive (above 75) or below 40, constantly and long term.

Alrighty :) Thanks!!

Because I read on here that it was good stuff but the package said it promotes humidity and I was worried...

But again, thanks for clearing that up for me :D

[ConcinusMan]

Yes, it is good when you have trouble keeping humidity high enough. It absorbs water, and releases it somewhat gradually. But it will dry out. And then if you need to bring humidity up you can soak some of it in water and put it back in the tank. It will then release moisture and bring humidity back up.

It's a fine substrate for garters with a nice natural look, albeit rather expensive. Finely shredded aspen or carefresh works well too and is cheaper. You might want to look into getting substrate online. It's significantly cheaper even after shipping costs. Just shop around.

[J@50n]

Yes, it is good when you have trouble keeping humidity high enough. It absorbs water, and releases it somewhat gradually. But it will dry out. And then if you need to bring humidity up you can soak some of it in water and put it back in the tank. It will then release moisture and bring humidity back up.

It's a fine substrate for garters with a nice natural look, albeit rather expensive. Finely shredded aspen or carefresh works well too and is cheaper. You might want to look into getting substrate online. It's significantly cheaper even after shipping costs. Just shop around.

I have had quite a few different substrates and I really enjoy the look of this one better than all the others. It was only $7 for a 10 quarts as well.

[RedSidedSPR]

I use Repti-Bark. It's great. It doeant affect my humidity. I use it cause the babies cat swallow it, and it looks awesome. Use it. But make sure you have a hydrometer so you'll know if it gets too humid.

[ConcinusMan]

Well it does affect humidity when you first put in a fresh bag. It's quite moist but like I said it dries out within a few days.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah, when you first open it it's pretty darn damp. But after a day so so it's as dry as any other.