Humidity question

[Villy]

I apologize if this isn't the right place, but I had a humidity question.

I am a BRAND NEW tortoise mom. I've only had him two days. Right now my Redfooted tortoise is in a 55 gallon tank until I can build him a nice big table. The problem is, I can't keep his humidity up for anything! I do mist, and it stays up for a while, but not for long. I know there are misters around, are they any good for a tank like that though? Is there something else I can do to keep it up until I can buy one? My boyfriend was thinking something like putting a sponge it there, maybe velcroing it to the side of the tank, up high enough so my little Tortolla can't try to nibble it.

Any suggestions are highly appreciated!

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Villy:

Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

May we know your name and where you are?

If you partially cover the habitat it helps a lot, also adding plants is quite helpful.

 

[TurtleTortoise]

Putting the sponge in there would help just make sure it is always wet. Also sphagnum moss holds water well.

 

[Jacqui]

How about also instead of worrying about the entire tank having high humidity, work more with a smaller area, such as a hide. You know, a humid hide box can be used as a part of the enclosure and have another hide inside of it. Sorta the true hide inside a humid hide box which is used as a separate room in the tortoise enclosure. Am I still being clear as mud?

Since you have a tank right now, besides covering some of the top even with something simple like plastic wrap or foil, you could use an under the tank heater. I will warm the damp substrate and create a bit of humidity. Having the water dish over the heat tape sometimes adds more humidity too.

Sponges can be used. I have used them in a few hide boxes for the humidity.