A DIY Reptile Tank Humidifier

Captive reptiles need to live in a humid environment. Reptiles housed in enclosures that are not humid enough constantly lose water through their skin and during the process of respiration. These animals become dehydrated and in severe cases, will die. Reptile owners usually install a misting or drip system in a reptile̵7;s tank to create suitable humidity. Although systems that support a constant humidity in reptile tanks are commercially available, you can design and make a humidifier for your reptiles. Do not wet the tank excessively, however, or your reptiles will develop a respiratory condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Living plants
  • Precut glass pane to fit the reptile̵7;s tank
  • Plastic mesh
  • Sharp scissors
  • 100 percent, non-toxic silicone sealer
  • Two, 25 fluid ounce plastic tubs
  • Pin
  • Jug
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove any plastic plants and replace these with living plants. Choose plants with broad leaves and get plants of different heights. It is important not to make a reptile̵7;s tank too wet, or the animal will develop respiratory problems, so drops of water are dripped continually on the taller, broad-leaved plants.

    • 2

      Remove and replace the tank̵7;s lid, if it is constructed of wire. This type of hood will not allow you to create a humid environment in the tank. Replace these types of lids with a plastic or glass top. This top must not fit in a watertight fashion, or the humidity will rise too high.

    • 3

      Ask a glass cutter to cut out two small square shapes on either side of the glass pane. These square shapes can be between 2 and 3 inches square, depending on the size of the tank.

    • 4

      Cut two square shapes from a piece of plastic mesh with scissors. The mesh must be just large enough to fit over the holes in the glass pane.

    • 5

      Squeeze a continuous bead of 100 percent nontoxic silicone sealer around the top-edge of each square-shaped hole in the glass pane. Carefully place a piece of plastic mesh over each square-shaped hole and push the edges of the mesh into the silicone. Leave the silicone to cure for 24 hours.

    • 6

      Use the tip of a pin to make many tiny holes in the bottom of a two, clean 25-ounce plastic tubs.

    • 7

      Place one tub on the mesh, over each of the holes in the tank lid.

    • 8

      Use a jug to fill each tub with tap water.

    • 9

      Ensure that the drops of water drip down on the broad-leaved vegetation.