Humidity & Water Retention

Reptiles and amphibians are fragile animals and can be difficult to keep in captivity. Because they vary so much, the methods by which they should be cared for also vary. Some reptiles, like water dragons and chameleons, require high levels of humidity, and nearly all amphibians require high humidity. Maintaining these humidity levels, as well as proper water levels, in a home terrarium can be difficult, but there are several techniques that make it easier.

  1. What Is Humidity?

    • Humidity is, simply, the amount of water vapor in the air. Some reptiles, like chameleons, do not drink water from bowls or ponds and instead lap it off leaves, requiring an extremely moist environment. Frogs and other amphibians are the same way, with some absorbing water through their skin. Maintaining healthy humidity and water levels can be important in tropical terrariums, because some animals may die without the proper levels.

    Misting

    • Misting is one of the most common methods of keeping a terrarium's humidity levels up. Using a spray bottle, many keepers will simply spray down the terrarium with warm water a few times per day. Some owners even go the extra mile and build automated systems with computerized valves that spray water into the tank in set intervals.

    Hydro Balls

    • Hydro Balls are small, clay spheres that rest below your terrarium's primary substrate. When water is added, these balls act as natural aquifers and help keep your tank's humidity levels up. They also provide enough nooks and crevices for roots to latch on to and promote plant growth.

    Bubblers

    • A bubbler is a simple solution to keeping up a terrarium's humidity. Most terrariums have large water sources---either bowls or small pools. A bubbler is an air stone that's attached via a plastic tube to an external air pump. The air stone is placed into the water source, and when air passes through it the water will bubble, releasing vapor into the air.

    Solid Top

    • Many reptile cages have ventilated screen lids. While this is great for keeping air flow at a maximum, it allows water to evaporate and escape the terrarium very quickly. Keeping a solid lid with a few air holes will help retain moisture. If a keeper is worried about air flow, a plastic tube attached to an external air pump can keep fresh air flowing into the terrarium.