Help with Tarantula Humidity

[dc23]

Hi guys,

Just hoping for a bit of help honestly. I’ve only just got into the hobby but struggling with the humidity for my Mexican Red Knee. She’s only a juvenile but I’ve attached a picture of her enclosure but the humidity won’t drop below 90%.

I live in the UK so it’s not necessarily warm and probably averages 20 degrees in the room, her enclosure sits on my desk (which isn’t used much in terms of the monitor etc). I change the water every other day, but never soak or mist the substrate which hasn’t been watered since I first set the enclosure.

I don’t want to disturb her if possible, but also worry it’s too humid for the species so would rather resolve it. Since the below photo I have drilled a further two lines of holes in the lid but it’s not made any difference.

Hopefully someone can shed some light or help?
Thanks,
Dan

 

[Konstantin]

Hi
that gadget you are using is notoriously inaccurate.
The species you mentioned is quite hardy and robust.Keep substrate fully dry and packed down( as tarantulas don’t like fluffy substrate ) you can slightly overflow the waterdish once in a while and let it dry completely before repeating and thats all.
Tarantula care doesn't refolve around chasing specific humidity and temperature figures and chasing those does more harm than good usually.
If your substrate is moist just let it dry out naturally no need to change it with dry one.
Also no need to change the water so often. Once a week or two is fine to clean dish out ,just top up as needed if evaporate too quickly between cleanings or it gets soiled
Regards Konstantin

 

[Konstantin]

Hi
also if enclosure is on a desk make sure it doesn't get any direct sunlight on in as that can cook the spider in it.
I also live in UK and never measured humidity at all
Regards Konstantin

 

[dc23]

Hi
that gadget you are using is notoriously inaccurate.
The species you mentioned is quite hardy and robust.Keep substrate fully dry and packed down( as tarantulas don’t like fluffy substrate ) you can slightly overflow the waterdish once in a while and let it dry completely before repeating and thats all.
Tarantula care doesn't refolve around chasing specific humidity and temperature figures and chasing those does more harm than good usually.
If your substrate is moist just let it dry out naturally no need to change it with dry one.
Also no need to change the water so often. Once a week or two is fine to clean dish out ,just top up as needed if evaporate too quickly between cleanings or it gets soiled
Regards Konstantin

Hi Konstantin,

Thanks very much for your reply, made me feel much better as was worried I was doing something wrong and the tarantula wouldn’t be happy, I might just take the device out if it’s no real use then!

In terms of its location on the desk, it is away from any direct sunlight as doesn’t get any into the room.

Thanks again!
Dan