Gray Tree Viv - please help!

[hjoe1112]

Made my first vivarium for my gray tree frogs. Did a vertical 30 g tank with a small waterfall in the corner. Used eggcrate and organic soil/sphag moss mix for substrate. About a gallon of water on the bottom for the waterfall. My problem is that the humidity is 99%. The soil seems rather wet and not sure what I should do now to get the humidity down.

Any suggestions?

[bobrez]

I think its hard to get to 99% humidity. Most meters arent very acurate unless it cost bout $20.
If its to high open the door and turn the fan on.

[John]

It's not hard in a vertical terrarium. I use these for dart frog terrariums. Your problem is you need more ventilation. You might want to look at putting holes in the bottom of the door so that air can flow in there and out the top. It's hard to do with glass, but Lexan (Polycarbonate) will work too.

[hjoe1112]

It's not hard in a vertical terrarium. I use these for dart frog terrariums. Your problem is you need more ventilation. You might want to look at putting holes in the bottom of the door so that air can flow in there and out the top. It's hard to do with glass, but Lexan (Polycarbonate) will work too.

Thanks John for the advice. Unfortunately the door is glass. Would it help if I installed a small computer fan somewhere in the tank? I hate to give up on the waterfall (it was a lot of work!) but as a last resort - I suppose I can drain all the water, remove the pump and just use some sort of water dish. I was hoping to have a somewhat self sufficient system - basically changing the water once weekly right now instead of daily with a dish.

I currently have gray tree frogs right now which seem to be doing ok. Hoping to make another tank and get other tree frogs which I know probably wouldn't like such a high humidity.

[hjoe1112]

I actually just to see did a temporary screen door and the humidity was still high at 97%?? This is frustrating...

[UncleChester]

I actually just to see did a temporary screen door and the humidity was still high at 97%?? This is frustrating...

You replaced the entire front door with screen and still have 97% humidity? What does your hygrometer say the humidity is outside the tank? Did your tank have no ventilation before this?

What is the humidity after leaving the waterfall off for a few hours? You could always put the waterfall on a timer so it's not running constantly.

[killerecho]

If you're using one of those analog hygrometers, it should be calibrated using a kit. Once you establish that the hygrometer is working fine, I would suggest attaching one or two 2.5" fans right outside the vent material. It should bring the humidity down to about 60-70%, provided you only mist occasionally.


The vertical conversion you have is much better suited for dart frogs or some other animal that requires less ventilation and more humidity. Dane from Junglebox sells one that has a bit larger vent area (~3.5"). Gray tree frogs are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but tend to prefer a humidity of around 50-60%. Tree frogs in general require good airflow, else they can stress out or develop bacterial infections.

Thanks John for the advice. Unfortunately the door is glass. Would it help if I installed a small computer fan somewhere in the tank? I hate to give up on the waterfall (it was a lot of work!) but as a last resort - I suppose I can drain all the water, remove the pump and just use some sort of water dish. I was hoping to have a somewhat self sufficient system - basically changing the water once weekly right now instead of daily with a dish.

I currently have gray tree frogs right now which seem to be doing ok. Hoping to make another tank and get other tree frogs which I know probably wouldn't like such a high humidity.

[hjoe1112]

If you're using one of those analog hygrometers, it should be calibrated using a kit. Once you establish that the hygrometer is working fine, I would suggest attaching one or two 2.5" fans right outside the vent material. It should bring the humidity down to about 60-70%, provided you only mist occasionally.


The vertical conversion you have is much better suited for dart frogs or some other animal that requires less ventilation and more humidity. Dane from Junglebox sells one that has a bit larger vent area (~3.5"). Gray tree frogs are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but tend to prefer a humidity of around 50-60%. Tree frogs in general require good airflow, else they can stress out or develop bacterial infections.

My home humidity is 75% - which is typical in my area. I actually don't have the waterfall running all day o - only 1 hr three times a day. I will try to obtain a larger vent area and/or attach the fans Thanks for the great advice!