Drying out sand in viv

[Gav0r]

Im currently waiting for my sand pete mix to dry out but as the days roll by im wondering wether it ever will :/

There is around 30 kg of damp substrate which i compressed to aid tunneling when dried. Ive put my 20 watt heatpad under the viv but it seems to be making little difference in the drying out process.

Anyone know roughly how long it will take to dry or if it even will at all :wall:

Thanks, Gavin.

 

[Raan_Jodus]

2-3 days for alot of sand.

I'd suggest natural sunlight if you have a window handy. And try to keep it in a more open area, the air flow will help speed up drying.

 

[Prymal]

Heya Gav & Raan,

Aside from natural sunlight, utilize increased airflow as Raan suggested above. Set-up a fan or two to increase airflow and evaporative rate.
Man, I feel ya. Since eliminating 90% of my collection, I've decided to standardize all my enclosures by purchasing new 9.5, 15 & 21 L glass enclosures with locking lids. Of course, this means new substrate and as 99% of my scorps are from xeric regions - wet, compacted sand is the substrate of choice! This time around (LOL) I'm going to try a 60/40 mix of red desert sand/play sand. Although most of my scorps are retreat opportunists, the reddish substrate looks nice, with pieces of red slate and red lava rock as "hides" and "climbs". Trying to keep it practical but lookin' nice as my collection will be maintained in shelving units in the dinning room of my "retreat"! LOL

Take care,
Luc

 

[Gav0r]

Cheers Luc bud - I now have all radiators on high - fire blazing - 20 watt heatpad under viv - AND 18" fan blowing a gale with the viv doors open =] LMAO this substrate is NOT going to beat me!

Gavin ;P

 

[Prymal]

Heya Gav,

Give it Hell! LOL

Luc

 

[sethandsteve]

Gav I put mine in the airing cupboard and leave the door open slightly, otherwise put it right in front of the radiator on a stool or something so the glass is touching, my dune scorp tank dried out in 48 hours this way. Switch your heat pad off though so it doesnt get too hot and break

 

[Gav0r]

Gav I put mine in the airing cupboard and leave the door open slightly, otherwise put it right in front of the radiator on a stool or something so the glass is touching, my dune scorp tank dried out in 48 hours this way. Switch your heat pad off though so it doesnt get too hot and break

I thought of doing this but I worry that the structure of the viv will give way and break because of the 66lbs (30 kgs) of substrate. So far only the top 1cm (which i sprinkled on wet; didn't compact) has dried out significantly. As you can see in the picture the rest is still pretty much how it was 3 days ago :/

Will it eventually dry ? Does anyone know the elements needed to create evaporation ? Will room temperature suffice in providing a good environment for the process of evaporation to take place?

2 days ago:


10 minutes ago:




Thanks, a frustrated Gav.

 

[nobby]

i strapped a hair dryer close to the lid when i dried mine out, that and a heat lamp and it all dried in a few hours....

 

[cashewman1]

Although water has one of the highest latent heats of evaporation for a liquid, I believe it is known that water boils at 100 degrees fareheit. That would be when its evaportating right? I think so, ud probably have better luck if ya took it out, i didnt take the time to read the whole post and idk if you can take out the sand but my guess would be lay it all out on a sheet of wax paper or something, let it dry, and toss er back in the viv

 

[cashewman1]

scratch that, i see you cannot do that, seeing as the whole point is not to take it out so its compressed. Ahh well the best of luck to you my friend

 

[Bayushi]

I believe it is known that water boils at 100 degrees fareheit.

Water boils at 220 d F...

 

[cashewman1]

lol meant Celcius, and i thought it was 212 d F? Might be mistaken

 

[Bayushi]

212... 220.... same thing ... big blisters and alot of pain...

 

[Gav0r]

SO... basically i need to put my tank in a saucepan and boil it on the cooker?

Surely evaporation (drying out) can occur at lower temps?

I have perferated the substrate every inch or so with a pencil hoping this will speed things up.

Gavin.

 

[Kugellager]

Water boils at 212F/100c/373k at sea level under one atmosphere air pressure.

John
];')

 

[Scorpfanatic]

jus wait it out my frined , noty worth it to rush it to dry espacially when you are unsure if the bottom is dry or not because that may inturn harm your scorp when you out it in remember some pics when you're done!