Pouring water into substrate

[Shorty1212]

Hey one question about adding humidity to the enclosure. Is it ok to add humidity by pouring water into my organic topsoil/sand mix? I’m not drenching it just enough to wet it and then I mix it up really good. But I feel like I’m almost starting to smell a slight kind of mildew/mold kind of smell even though I’m tilling the substrate sometimes twice a day! It keeps me busy lol. Will topsoil mold easily? What sort of humidity levels should I be aiming for? I’ve been trying to keep it 70-80% but I’m worried I’m creating mold it’s a melamine enclosure and seems to hold heat and humidity really good. Thank you

[splashy07]

If you are getting mold it is obviously too much. Pouring water isn't a problem but the amount of it could be. I have many bioactives (I do not use for skinks) and have never had an issue with mold. Just cut back on the amount of water you're using and mist a few times instead. Also make sure there is a dry area also, if desired by your animal he can use that too. Too much moisture can be just as bad as too dry.

[Shorty1212]

Thank you I’ll try that and I had the moisture and I add the water to the hot side and leave the cool side dry. Is that ok or should it be the opposite?

[ElenaLovesLizards]

I'm assuming you have a Indonesian because of what you keep your humidity at. And yes I do agree that it is ok to pour water into the substrate as long as the substrate isn't soaking wet. If its to wet it may irritate your skinks skin so make sure thats all good. like others said make sure the mildew smell isn't mold.

[ElenaLovesLizards]

Its ok as long as the substrate isn't soaking wet I think its ok. if the substrate is too wet it could irritate your skinks skin .Just make sure the mildew smell isn't mold and I think what your doing is ok

[Janella]

The amount of water used varies on the substrate. For instance I have Zilla Jungle mix with Reptibark on top and I pour about 12-16 oz of water on the enclosure weekly. You absolutely don't want their enclosure too damp or it could lead to mold and infections in your skink. If using just top soil once to twice a week should be fine. I don't know with the sand though. Sand holds water alot.