How to Make a Humidifier for a Terrarium

Reptiles and amphibians are among the most unique organisms on the planet, and when kept as pets are often contained in enclosures called terrariums. A terrarium is an enclosed habitat that often contains plants, some sort of substrate like rocks or gravel, and other types of decor. Many terrarium-dwelling plants and animals require a moist environment that must be kept very humid. Chameleons and many types of frogs, for example require humidity levels up around 90%. To keep moisture levels up, many keepers employ the use of humidifiers, which can either be purchased from a retailer or built with a few tools and a trip to your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • Air pump
  • Plastic air tubing, 6 feet, 1/4" diameter
  • Plastic jar with lid
  • Air stone
  • Power drill
  • Scissors
  • Silicone sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the plastic tubing in half using the scissors, creating two three-foot sections.

    • 2

      Drill two holes in the lid of the plastic container about the same diameter of the plastic tubing. The plastic tubing should fit through them snugly.

    • 3

      String one of the sections of plastic tubing through one of the holes in the lid and guide it all the way to the bottom of the container.

    • 4

      Remove the lid and attach the air stone to the opening of the plastic tubing that you strung to the bottom of the container in Step 3. The air stone, which ordinarily will be green, blue, or black, is a small porous stone that releases air and creates bubbles when submerged in water.

    • 5

      Fill the container about two-thirds of the way with water and place the lid back on the container and seal it tightly.

    • 6

      Attach the other end of the plastic tubing section with the air stone to the output of the air pump. The output is where the air is expelled.

    • 7

      String the other section of tubing through the other hole in the lid, but only guide it down an inch or so into the container. The opening should not come into contact with the water in the container.

    • 8

      String the other end of the section of tubing from Step 7 into your terrarium. If you have a screen lid, you may be able to squeeze it through one of the openings in the screen. If you have a plastic, aquarium hood-style lid, there should be small openings in the back allowing you to squeeze it in.

    • 9

      Plug the air pump into a power outlet. Air should begin pumping through the air stone, creating bubbles in the container. Moisture should then travel up through the other section of tubing from Step 7 and into your terrarium.