DIY: Reptile Misting

Subtropical reptiles require an environment that mimics their native landscape to thrive. If you live in a dry climate, it's important to provide enough warmth and humidity to ensure a happy and healthy pet. Although there are plenty of complete misting systems on the market, you can easily build your own system to suit your pet's needs at a fraction of the cost. A little know-how and elbow grease will turn your reptile aquarium into a miniature jungle.

Things You'll Need

  • Large bucket with lid
  • Power drill
  • 2 lengths 1/4-inch plastic tubing, 5 feet long
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Distilled water
  • Water pump
  • Outlet timer
  • Misting nozzle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill a hole in the center of a bucket lid. Use a drill bit that is the same diameter as your plastic tubing. This will allow your tubing to be inserted without resistance, but at the same time keep the tubing from slipping out of the bucket.

    • 2

      Insert one end of a 5-foot piece of plastic tubing into the bucket through the hole you just drilled in the lid. Pull the tubing down far enough so that the last 4 inches of it lays horizontally at the bottom of the bucket. Secure the end of the tube at the bottom of the bucket with a 4-inch strip of duct tape, leaving 1 inch of the tube exposed so that water can freely flow into it from the bucket. This will ensure that the tube will not rise up above the level of the water and let air into your pump.

    • 3

      Fill the bucket with distilled water. Do not use any other kind of water because it will eventually cause calcification on your misting nozzle, clogging up the system and preventing your reptile from getting the humidity it requires.

    • 4

      Attach the other end of the same piece of tubing to a water pump. You can acquire a pump at your local pet store.

    • 5

      Plug your water pump into a power outlet timer before plugging it into the wall so that you can control the amount of time the pump will be misting. Set the timer to work for no more than two minutes at a time. This will prevent too much water from getting into the tank and causing mildew or mold to form.

    • 6

      Attach the second piece of plastic tubing to the outlet valve on the water pump. If the connection does not fit the pump, use an adapter, which will likely come with your water pump.

    • 7

      Attach the misting nozzle to the end of the second piece of tubing and place it into your reptile's aquarium. Secure it at the top to allow the mist to gently fall into the aquarium. If your aquarium doesn't have a lid or clamp at the top, you may need to secure the nozzle at the top of the cage with more duct tape.

    • 8

      Plug the water pump into the wall socket, then turn it on. The misting nozzle produces an extremely fine mist and only uses 0.6 ounces of water per minute. If you use a 5-gallon bucket and you humidify your aquarium for two minutes every six hours, you will have a system that can last for about two months before you need to refill your bucket with distilled water. The length and frequency of your misting sessions will be determined by the size of your tank and how many reptiles and plants you have inside.