How To Maintain Humidity Low Budget

[ChonkyCrabsLover]

Hello! I am wondering how to keep my humidity in my tank high. Right now, I have a mini bottle to mist the tank and a gallon sized plastic bag on top of the mesh lid to keep humidity in? I have to constantly mist the tank to keep the humidity high. Are there better ways to keep keep humidity in, or to add more. I am on a low budget. I know a lot of people make glass lids, but I don’t think they would have enough air every time I clean their dishes because I am in a 10 gallon tank for my two PPs. I just don’t think a tank of that size can hold enough air. The plastic bag only helps a little. Are there better ways to keep humidity in on a low budget? Thank you so much!

[curlysister]

What are you using for substrate and how deep is it?

What are your current temp and humidity readings?

Have you tried putting plastic wrap/ Saran Wrap over the entire top?

[ChonkyCrabsLover]

My substrate is 4.5-5in deep (small crabs).

Current temp is 74 degrees and humidity is around 70-80 with misting and 50-60 without misting.

I use the Flukers Hermit Beach sand. (I know a lot of people use play sand, but I can never find one that would work. What play sand do you use?)

[ChonkyCrabsLover]

I haven’t tried using Saran Wrap on the top of their tank yet. I will try it!

[curlysister]

Neither of my first two tanks (a 10 then a 20 gallon) had actual lids, I only ever used Saran Wrap.

Fluker's beach sand is perfectly safe, it's just really expensive. Any play sand is safe.
Where do you live? This is the one I use:

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/quikre ... 1000166231

[ChonkyCrabsLover]

Thanks! I will get that sand the next time I remodel my crab’s tank. I live in the north east so it can get a little cold there. I am about to buy a heater for their tank (6x17 Ultratherm from the Bean Farm to keep temperatures up. How much does the temperature go up with a heater on the back of the tank? Thank you!

[ChonkyCrabsLover]

Thanks! I will get that sand the next time I remodel my crab’s tank. I live in the north east so it can get a little cold there. I am about to buy a heater for their tank (6x17 Ultratherm from the Bean Farm to keep temperatures up. How much does the temperature go up with a heater on the back of the tank? Thank you!

[Ianatari]

I’ve been in the same boat before. A few things that worked for me were using a larger plastic container or bin as a lid instead of just a bag—it helped a lot with keeping the humidity in. I also put a damp sponge in the tank for extra moisture. If you can swing it, a small aquarium heater can really help maintain the right temperature and reduce how often you need to mist. And make sure there aren’t any leaks in your setup where the humidity might be sneaking out.

[curlysister]

Thanks! I will get that sand the next time I remodel my crab’s tank. I live in the north east so it can get a little cold there. I am about to buy a heater for their tank (6x17 Ultratherm from the Bean Farm to keep temperatures up. How much does the temperature go up with a heater on the back of the tank? Thank you!

Be sure to get the size of heat mat that will fit across the whole back of the tank, and mostly be above the substrate - don't go by the number of gallons it says it will heat (the mat is referencing lizard etc tanks). That is a very good heat mat, and it can also be insulated over top if need be.

[ChonkyCrabsLover]

Thanks! I am just waiting for the 6x17 heat mat to be back in stock at the Bean Farm. I couldn’t find that size at Reptile Basics. My tank is 18in long and 10in wide, so that size is good.

[ChonkyCrabsLover]

Wow! I tried Saran Wrap on the top of my tank and it worked great! My humidity is a lot more consistent now. My crabs have been more active in the past couple days with Saran Wrap on the tank. Thank you!