Some people have asked me how I maintain humidity. This will show the steps I take. I use 3/4 coconut bricks and 1/4 playsand.
First I got a regular sized Tupperware container (about 1 1/2 gallons.) I cut a small hole into the bottom.
I then place the container on a patch of substrate I deem to be too dry.
I fill a drink container with water.
I then pour about two of these into the first container, (only one for this demonstration.)
I let the water seep out into the substrate. It will take about a half hour to empty. I do this about five times around the tank. This keeps me from misting everyday or pouring water directly into the substrate causing the sand to sink to the bottom.
To gauge if yours substrate holds enough moisture squeeze a handful.
If liquid is squeezed out of your handful you have to much water in your substrate and you now have mud. But if you did it right and there is a decent amount of liquid in the substrate it will hold its shape. Also 4+ inches of substrate holds the most liquid for a good amount of time. Any less and you will have to add water more frequently due to evaporation.
I also fill the hidebox with sphagnum moss, about 2 inches thick.
You can tell if there is enough humidity by using the torts own food. Lettuce in my tank wont wilt for days. The lettuce in this pic was placed in the tank yesterday. It remained fresh in 85+ degrees temp.
First I got a regular sized Tupperware container (about 1 1/2 gallons.) I cut a small hole into the bottom.
I then place the container on a patch of substrate I deem to be too dry.
I fill a drink container with water.
I then pour about two of these into the first container, (only one for this demonstration.)
I let the water seep out into the substrate. It will take about a half hour to empty. I do this about five times around the tank. This keeps me from misting everyday or pouring water directly into the substrate causing the sand to sink to the bottom.
To gauge if yours substrate holds enough moisture squeeze a handful.
If liquid is squeezed out of your handful you have to much water in your substrate and you now have mud. But if you did it right and there is a decent amount of liquid in the substrate it will hold its shape. Also 4+ inches of substrate holds the most liquid for a good amount of time. Any less and you will have to add water more frequently due to evaporation.
I also fill the hidebox with sphagnum moss, about 2 inches thick.
You can tell if there is enough humidity by using the torts own food. Lettuce in my tank wont wilt for days. The lettuce in this pic was placed in the tank yesterday. It remained fresh in 85+ degrees temp.