Trying to manage substrate moisture... Clueless

[ejnolen]

Hey y'all! My tank flooded last month (it was all EE), so this time around I've filled the tank with a 4:2 ratio of sand/EE. Problem is... I have no clue how to tell if it's staying moist enough below the surface! I've got one molter down, so I'm not doing any exploration below about 1 inch right now. The top inch feels moist-ish, but is definitely beginning to dry out - especially nearest the UTH. The water bowls aren't evaporating very quickly, and my humidity is around 75%. Temp lingers around 80-82°F. My second crab is having tons of fun digging tunnels in the new substrate (when she's not hanging from the mesh lid like a bat), and doesn't seem unhappy. I'm just concerned. I don't want them to survive Noah's flood only to get stranded in the desert!

[Hermiesguardian]

Hey y'all! My tank flooded last month (it was all EE), so this time around I've filled the tank with a 4:2 ratio of sand/EE. Problem is... I have no clue how to tell if it's staying moist enough below the surface! I've got one molter down, so I'm not doing any exploration below about 1 inch right now. The top inch feels moist-ish, but is definitely beginning to dry out - especially nearest the UTH. The water bowls aren't evaporating very quickly, and my humidity is around 75%. Temp lingers around 80-82°F. My second crab is having tons of fun digging tunnels in the new substrate (when she's not hanging from the mesh lid like a bat), and doesn't seem unhappy. I'm just concerned. I don't want them to survive Noah's flood only to get stranded in the desert!

If they're able to dig tunnels I would think it's moist enough.

[JoeHermits]

Can you see through the walls of your tank? Moist substrate will be darker.


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[wodesorel]

Sand tends to dry out from the top down. You can control how much by lightly spraying, but be cautious of how much is sinking to the bottom!

[ejnolen]

Thanks everyone!