How to Humidify a Tank for a Tree Frog

Most tree frogs are beautiful, fun to watch and live in attractive habitats that can bring a little bit of nature into your home. For this reason -- and because they are relatively easy to care for -- tree frogs make good pets for amphibian lovers of all ages. Like most pets, tree frogs require adequate heat, food, water and space to thrive. Unlike most pets, a tree frog also needs a humid habitat to survive. Humidifying a tree frog's tank is easy, and there are several ways you can do it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Research the appropriate humidity level for your tree frog. Many different kinds of tree frogs are kept as pets, but they don't all require the same amount of humidity. For example, a White's Tree Frog should live in a habitat with 30 percent to 70 percent humidity, which means that the air only holds 30 to 70 percent of the water it could hold. On the other hand, a red eyed tree frog needs 80 percent to 100 percent humidity.

    • 2

      Purchase a hygrometer to measure the humidity in the tank. A hygrometer is like a thermometer, but instead of measuring temperature, it measures humidity. Follow the hygrometer's directions for attaching it to the tank. Many pet supply stores carry hygrometers that are specially designed for reptiles and amphibians. Because there are a number of ways to increase humidity, and humidifying a tank is not an exact science, check the hygrometer each day to ensure you don't have too much or too little humidity.

    • 3

      Dampen the substrate. The substrate is the cage's lining and can be composed of Astroturf, speciality reptile or amphibian lining sold at pet stores, top soil covered with moss, or even paper towels. Wet the substrate before placing it in the cage whenever the hygrometer indicates conditions in the cage are getting too dry.

    • 4

      Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it near your tank. Spray the tank occasionally to create mist and increase humidity. Spray the tank more often for frogs that need higher humidity levels. Frogs that can live with lower levels of humidity might only need their cages sprayed once every two days. Frogs that need higher levels of humidity might need their cages sprayed twice a day. Check your hygrometer and spray the tank if the humidity level is too low.

    • 5

      Seal in damp air by closing the tank's lid. If air continues to escape, cover the large, middle portion of the lid with plastic. Ensure adequate ventilation by leaving the sides uncovered. Opening the tank's lid or removing the plastic is also a good way to quickly reduce the humidity level if it becomes too great.