I can't get the humidity right!

[hermitcrabdc]

I am having troubles again with the humidity. I have moss, two bubbler pools, I spray the tank, I have plastic wrap on most of the lid, I still can't get the humidity right! It was fine up until just a month or two ago. The highest it got today was 83% then within just a few hours it dropped back to 70% (the gauge is 5% off, so I have a hard time remembering the numbers, so they may be slightly higher or lower) I attempted for the second time to make a humidifier but it didn't work. I'm not able to buy one either. Is there anything else I can do that will help boost the humidity?

[CallaLily]

How long ago did you test your hygrometer? They can change or break over time. I test mine once a month or so and often get different results. What heat source are you using? What is your temperature? What kind of substrate and how deep? Have you tried also wrapping your lid in aluminum foil? I find it works a little better. Larger pools can help too (more surface, not necessarily deeper).

[moonbeam]

I've never had a problem with humidity and am definitely no expert on the subject. The only other thing I can think of is maybe add an Eco earth pit to help boost if you have some extra laying around? I'll brainstorm on it but hopefully someone with experience can chime in.


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[hermitcrabdc]

How long ago did you test your hygrometer? They can change or break over time. I test mine once a month or so and often get different results. What heat source are you using? What is your temperature? What kind of substrate and how deep? Have you tried also wrapping your lid in aluminum foil? I find it works a little better. Larger pools can help too (more surface, not necessarily deeper).

-I think I tested last month.
-I have a heat lamp and a small zilla heat mat that I'm totally convinced is doing anything.
-Temps are a whole issue of it's own. It stays usually 77-82 during the day and drops at night.
-5-6 inches of play sand and some, eco earth.
-I haven't tried foil, I'll have to try that.
-In my opinion my pools are fairly big. I don't think I could fit bigger in the tank.

[moonbeam]

How long ago did you test your hygrometer? They can change or break over time. I test mine once a month or so and often get different results. What heat source are you using? What is your temperature? What kind of substrate and how deep? Have you tried also wrapping your lid in aluminum foil? I find it works a little better. Larger pools can help too (more surface, not necessarily deeper).

yay for experience! You must have posted this right as I began typing. Disregard my suggestion


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[CallaLily]

Also, where are your gauges located in the tank? Adding more cocofiber, if you can, should help too.

[hermitcrabdc]

Usually in the middle (under the lamp) I have to be careful where I put it so it doesn't get wet. I also put it on a plant fairly close to the top and the the humidity is usually lower there.

[CallaLily]

Have you tried to get a reading closer to the substrate? It's normal for lower humidity under the lamps where it's warmer. Also try to get readings in shadier spots. You may have a perfectly acceptable gradient.

[hermitcrabdc]

The gauge is usually on the substrate, but I'll try to get a reading in another spot.

[CallaLily]

Hhmmm. It is getting to be that time of year for some where maintaining humidity can get difficult. Insulate the tank as much as you can. The bubblers in your pool as well as daily maintenance will provide air flow. You could try a lower watt bulb but then your heat will drop some....but if you can play with it you might find a balance. Might be worth testing your hygrometer again as well, just in case.

[hermitcrabdc]

I don't think getting a lower watt would be smart. I'm already wondering if the heat is going to be high enough during the winter.

How else would I insulate the tank?

[CallaLily]

Cover almost all of the lid. Mine are completely covered except directly under the lights. I'm using a combination of aluminum foil and shower curtain cut to size on the PP tank. Aluminum and some plexiglass on the E tank with the exoterra vents taped off with electrical tape. All held in place with duck tape (except the plexi).

Short of picking up a humidifier or swapping to a good UTH, I don't know what else to tell you. Did the foil help at all? What do other areas of the tank read? Can you add more cocofiber or moss?

If your heat gets too low, try wrapping an emergency blanket around the tank. Is your UTH putting out any heat at all? Is it insulated?

The other thing... What species do you have? How low are your temps and humidity dropping? 75-85 F is considered safe for PPs. Even dropping into the low 70s for a small time at night would be ok - it only becomes an issue if it stays there. 70-80% humidity (or higher) is acceptable for many species, especially if it only gets below 75% for a short time or in only a small area of the tank.

[hermitcrabdc]

I just added the foil and moved the gauge to get a reading on the right half of the tank. So I'll wait a while before I can give you a good number.
I think I have enough moss, I already have 4 areas with moss.
I'm not sure how low the temps actually drop. It says the low yesterday was 72 I think, but the low today was 77. The heat mat does get warm I'm just not sure how well it actually heats the tank. I put aluminum foil over it yesterday and that's when the heat got didn't drop as low as other nights.
I have two PPs and two Es. I know the heat is low I seriously am working on it as best I can. I may try to get a better heat mat for the winter. (I really want to stop using the heat lamp, or at least use it only at night. I keep having to replace bulbs :headshake: )
I can't get cocofiber at the moment but I'll see what I can do next time I stop in petsmart.

[hermitcrabdc]

On the right side of the tank it is 80 ish, and the temp is 77.

[Ryry]

Eco earth mixed into your sub will prob help a lot. My humidity fluctuates a lot- we just started running a wood stove so I'm in for it. As it gets colder in my house I am slowly insulating more of the tank. I got a UTH from the bean farm and that thing is amazing! I needed a dimmer because it was too hot! I like turning down the heat a little on the uth and then I cover it with foil and cardboard. It is working great for me for insulation. I also need to make sure I soak my moss pits every morning, to hold in moisture.