Quick humidity question

[Sanimal]

The humidity in my cage is usually pretty low (50 or below in my green tree frog cage). Even though I have a live plant in there, have a humidifier in the room and mist twice a day, it is still really low. So after reading on the forums, I read that a solution might be to cover up part of the mesh on top to keep in humidity. However, already half of the lid is covered by the compact top containing the bulb. So if I cover more, will there still be enough ventilation? What else can I do to keep the humidity up (I don't have room for a fogger)? Thanks!

[deeishealthy]

Yes, you will be fine. I just used a piece of saran wrap covered with a cloth.

[Sanimal]

Alright, thanks for the quick reply.

[flybyferns]

The humidity in my cage is usually pretty low (50 or below in my green tree frog cage). Even though I have a live plant in there, have a humidifier in the room and mist twice a day, it is still really low. So after reading on the forums, I read that a solution might be to cover up part of the mesh on top to keep in humidity. However, already half of the lid is covered by the compact top containing the bulb. So if I cover more, will there still be enough ventilation? What else can I do to keep the humidity up (I don't have room for a fogger)? Thanks!

What are the measurements of the the screen lid with and w/out the compact top?
Lynn

[Sanimal]

Without the compact top the screen lid is 12"x12". With it it's 7.5"x12".

[Sanimal]

Also, how much more of the screen should I cover?

[flybyferns]

Also, how much more of the screen should I cover?

I would get a real cheap 8x10 pictured frame w/glass (? you could even go 9 x 12 ) . Put the frame aside and just use the glass. Part of it will be under the light, which is no big deal. It will hold the humidity in nicely. It will not melt. . And you can slide it around to adjust things.

You might move the hygrometer around to check more than one area?

Lynn

[Sanimal]

I got an 8.5x11 wooden frame with the glass. I did put the glass on top, and the humidity is a little better, but it is still around 50%. Any other recommendations as to what I should do?

[helm96]

During the winter months when its hard to keep the humidity up I take the glass off the top and take a clean kitchen towel and fold it to cover the area where the glass was. I fold the edges of the towel to give a lip around all edges. Then in the morning and the evenings I pour dechlorinated water on it to make the towel moist. I have noticed a 5-10% raise in humidity by doing this. Not sure if it will work for you but it could be worth a shot.

[Sanimal]

That sounds like a great idea, but won't the mesh on top rust?

[helm96]

It should not, if its Exo Terra or Zoo Med then the top mesh will be ok. The tanks are designed to withstand the high humidity and contact with water. Someone correct me if I am wrong but I think the mesh is aluminum.

[deranged chipmunk]

It should not, if its Exo Terra or Zoo Med then the top mesh will be ok. The tanks are designed to withstand the high humidity and contact with water. Someone correct me if I am wrong but I think the mesh is aluminum.

you are not wrong Will, the screen is designed to be wet. and i do believe it is coated aluminum.

[Sanimal]

I did put the wet towel on top, covering most of the screen, but leaving some mesh open for ventilation. However, it's still around 50%! I believe this is happening because of the light, but I need it for the live plant in my cage.

[helm96]

What kind of light are you running? I am using a Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 CFL UVB light, it is only 13 watt. It pushes off very little heat since its CFL. I really like them, that is what I am running for my RETF and my WTF enclosure. The plants really seem to like them as well.

[flybyferns]

I did put the wet towel on top, covering most of the screen, but leaving some mesh open for ventilation. However, it's still around 50%! I believe this is happening because of the light, but I need it for the live plant in my cage.

You have done a lot that should have increased the humidity.
You might consider purchasing a new hygrometer?
Lynn

[Sanimal]

My light is the Repti Glo 2.0 13 watt.
Exo Terra : Repti Glo Compact 2.0, 5.0 & 10.0 / Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
I will get a digital thermometer/hygrometer.

[helm96]

Yeah the digitals make a big diff. My old dial style was about 10% off when sitting right next to my digital. I have the Exo terra one that I use in my RETF enclosure and the humidity is a little higher. I have a Flukers one that I use in my WTF enclosure. I actually really like that one cause it does temp and humidity. Amazon.com: Fluker's Digital Thermometer/Hygrometer: Pet Supplies

[ViperJr]

That sounds like a great idea, but won't the mesh on top rust?

Just wanted to add that the Exo-terra terrariums can indeed rust. My mesh did in a tropical setup after a few months. Could very well be that I was unlucky and got a bad tank. Just wanted to give you a heads up.

[Lija]

That sounds like a great idea, but won't the mesh on top rust?

it will if you have exo terra, their tops are bad, very bad some people just replace screen before it got all rusty. I haven't seen a single exo terra top that wouldn't rust in high humidity, especially if wrapped in plastic, or with glass on top.

[helm96]

Huh, looks like I took the right path by going Zoo Med with my dart enclosures. I have several with glass and no rust. This is good to know. I am really shocked that these would not be made of a rust proof material coming from Exo Terra and the applications that they could be used in.