Question about humidity

[Tony]

Relative humidity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The tool used to measure relative humidity is called a hygrometer. Don't bother with the ones sold at the pet shop, they are typically inaccurate and in my opinion present a greater danger than any help they may provide because of the false readings. Digital hygrometers are usually better, but they can be expensive, especially as a collection grows. I just eyeball humidity values based on frog behavior, plant growth, and visual cues like condensation on the glass. Trying to hit the "magic number" on a hygrometer is a pointless exercise in frustration.

[clownonfire]

Tony, you were busy last night...

What Tony says is right. Basically, everything you will find at a pet supplier store will cost more, and might not even be the best products (thermometer, hygrometer, lights, etc). Try your hardware store... You'll find equivalent products for much less.

Eric

[DogRetepCow]

Thanks for the responses. Is it crucial to own a hygrometer, or will I be ok just with misting the cage regulary?

[DogRetepCow]

Huh. So I just read a post on this messagboard that said if you have a screen lid, then you should cover 2/3rds of it with glass to prevent humidity from escaping. Is that true? I have a screen lid, but it's small, as the tops of the zoo med naturalistic terrariums are small. And I have a good portion already covered with a hood: http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=3756450

I use that hood to hold a bulb for UVB lighting on my American Green Tree frog, and it takes up a good portion of space on my screen lid. I know many people, including John Clare say that frogs don't need any UVB lighting, but I have also read several reports from people saying that it is beneficial to frogs, provides calcium for their bones, and can't hurt. I want what is best for my frog, so I am using UVB lighting. I currently am not using any heating, as the house temperature is good for now. However, when it gets colder I may have to put another hood on the lid for heating. Then the whole screen lid will be covered with two hoods for UVB light and heat. I guess that would trap the humidity inside the cage, but then the whole lid would be covered- Wouldn't that block out my frog's ventilation and kill it? If I need extra heat than do I just have to take away the UVB bulb and put in a heat bulb, in order to only use one hood on the lid? And what about putting glass on the lid-is that true or what? I've been all panicky ever since I got this frog. Frogs are complicated.

[Tony]

Your setup should be fine the way it is. Humidity is one of those things people tend to over-think, most species of tree frogs can thrive in a pretty wide range. Proper ventilation is much more important than hitting a specific number on a hygrometer.

[DogRetepCow]

Thank you! I just have one more question, not related to humidity, but to ventilation: If I have two hoods on my lid (for UVB and heat), it would cover the entire lid-wouldn't that completely block out the frog's air coming through the lid? It seems to me if I need heat I should just keep one hood on and use heat instead of UVB.

[Tony]

How cold does it get during the winter?