Leaving on Vacation

[rf9661]

Hello!

I will be leaving for 11 days on vacation and have no one to care for my hermit crabs. What machines work to maintain humidity, like an automatic mister? I have an automatic timer for the heat bulbs and UVB bulbs so thats not a concern to me. How should I go about them having enough food and water? Please let me know.

I've looking into Mist King for the automatic mister but their nozzles must be screwed in and I can't screw into the terrarium.

Regards,
Richard

[aussieJJDude]

I can talk about the food and water.
Water will be fine for the duration of your holiday, as long as it large/deep enough that it won't dry up.
Dry foods are the best to give; things like oak leaves, cereals, dried shrimp, dried fruit, coconut shavings, seeds, nuts ect... will be fine. Just offer a variety, so they can pick and choose and it should be fine. I always like to feed the messy stuff the night before going away and then on the day, give them the dry foods; but thats me!

Do you need a humidifier to have the appropriate humidity levels? Could and airstone substitute?

[rf9661]

I can talk about the food and water.
Water will be fine for the duration of your holiday, as long as it large/deep enough that it won't dry up.
Dry foods are the best to give; things like oak leaves, cereals, dried shrimp, dried fruit, coconut shavings, seeds, nuts ect... will be fine. Just offer a variety, so they can pick and choose and it should be fine. I always like to feed the messy stuff the night before going away and then on the day, give them the dry foods; but thats me!

Do you need a humidifier to have the appropriate humidity levels? Could and airstone substitute?

Ok, thanks! I doubt an air stone will work. Plus the tank is really good. So I'm looking for a type of misting system that will go off automatically. Do you think 2 ZooMed foggers would work? Any other ideas?

[aussieJJDude]

Maybe two on timers, so one is on the other is off and then reverse? That way, you're doubling the amount of water available and ensuring that the mist/fog is throughout the tank and not on "one side" if your tank is dry...

I'd suggest getting them now - or something similar, ultrasonic humidifiers thats been modded work well, and often have a large reservoir - and doing a trial run, so you know how long you need to run them for - most cases, 24/7 isn't necessary - strength and how long they last.

[rf9661]

Maybe two on timers, so one is on the other is off and then reverse? That way, you're doubling the amount of water available and ensuring that the mist/fog is throughout the tank and not on "one side" if your tank is dry...

I'd suggest getting them now - or something similar, ultrasonic humidifiers thats been modded work well, and often have a large reservoir - and doing a trial run, so you know how long you need to run them for - most cases, 24/7 isn't necessary - strength and how long they last.

I think I might make something like this since its more customizable but with the Large airstone, the 40G pump, a way larger container, and lots more tubing. I think that should work to raise humidity so I wont have to worry about it. I can probably attach it to an automatic timer to turn on and off during the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmYU-eKTfDM

So I'll either do the DIY or buy 2 of these https://www.amazon.com/Reptile-Humidifi ... ile+mister

[amwilliams]

Maybe two on timers, so one is on the other is off and then reverse? That way, you're doubling the amount of water available and ensuring that the mist/fog is throughout the tank and not on "one side" if your tank is dry...

I'd suggest getting them now - or something similar, ultrasonic humidifiers thats been modded work well, and often have a large reservoir - and doing a trial run, so you know how long you need to run them for - most cases, 24/7 isn't necessary - strength and how long they last.

I think I might make something like this since its more customizable but with the Large airstone, the 40G pump, a way larger container, and lots more tubing. I think that should work to raise humidity so I wont have to worry about it. I can probably attach it to an automatic timer to turn on and off during the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmYU-eKTfDM

So I'll either do the DIY or buy 2 of these https://www.amazon.com/Reptile-Humidifi ... ile+mister

You'll have to report back on how this works. I watched this video also and some of the comments said it didn't work very well for them, so I didn't end up going this route. But I'd be very interested in knowing how it goes for you!


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[Kermie16]

Maybe two on timers, so one is on the other is off and then reverse? That way, you're doubling the amount of water available and ensuring that the mist/fog is throughout the tank and not on "one side" if your tank is dry...

I'd suggest getting them now - or something similar, ultrasonic humidifiers thats been modded work well, and often have a large reservoir - and doing a trial run, so you know how long you need to run them for - most cases, 24/7 isn't necessary - strength and how long they last.

I think I might make something like this since its more customizable but with the Large airstone, the 40G pump, a way larger container, and lots more tubing. I think that should work to raise humidity so I wont have to worry about it. I can probably attach it to an automatic timer to turn on and off during the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmYU-eKTfDM

So I'll either do the DIY or buy 2 of these https://www.amazon.com/Reptile-Humidifi ... ile+mister

You'll have to report back on how this works. I watched this video also and some of the comments said it didn't work very well for them, so I didn't end up going this route. But I'd be very interested in knowing how it goes for you!


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Ditto for me too! Would love to see how it's set up in ur tank and ur experience with it.


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[GotButterflies]

Have you considered a pet sitter?


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[soilentgringa]

I've left my crabs for up to two weeks before. No issues.

As long as your tank conditions are stable, they'll be fine.

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[soilentgringa]

I don't recommend leaving a mister on, as it could oversaturate/flood the tank.

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[aussieJJDude]

I don't recommend leaving a mister on, as it could oversaturate/flood the tank.

I understand what you mean, but if you have had it for multiple months in advance and understand how long to leave it on for, then there really shouldn't be a problem... similar to using a UTH. When you first set it up, you have a basic understanding of how well it will work to your tank. Over time, you develop a pattern and can address issues easily - due to heat - such as adding more during winter, and taking some off in summer.