It is essential to keep tropical reptiles well hydrated. They often need high humidity in their tanks as well. As reptile-keepers know, these two do not always go hand in hand. Dew licking reptiles, such as Crested Geckos, need humidity, but also need water droplets they can lick to remain hydrated.
Adding Water for Reptiles with a Fogger
A good fogger can be found for between $30 and $50. It’s a little device that submerges in water and converts the water into a thick mist.
Pros:
The fogger will certainly raise humidity in a tank. It also adds a neat fog effect. The heat from the fogger will also slightly keep temperatures up.
Cons:
It will have to be kept filled with a reasonable amount of water which can run out quickly. A fogger will not provide dew drops for reptiles that need to drink by licking them. It will have to be plugged in.
Habba Mist Automatic Misting Machine
This machine usually can be found for between $35 and $50. The Misting Machine holds 28oz of water. It mounts in or outside a tank and sprays water through a nozzle into the tank.
Pros:
It can be set to spray for intervals of 15, 30, 45, or 60 seconds. These sprays can be set to go off every 1, 3, 6, or 12 hours. This can be great when going on a trip.
Cons:
Although reptiles do not seem bothered by the noise, it can be annoying to humans, especially if kept in a bedroom. The sprayer itself cannot be set to a mist, so any spray will fill the area it is spraying with heavy drops. If kept at the wrong angle water can drip out while it is off and drain the machine.
Zoo Med Drippers
These come in multiple sizes and should cost less than $10. A simple bucket with a controllable nozzle on the bottom that a tube can be attached to. The tube can direct the dripping water anywhere in a tank.
Pros:
They need no electricity and can be great as back-up water sources. The large ones can last quite a while; great if you are out of town. They can also water multiple tanks.
Cons:
It is very hard to set them to drip at a reasonable rate. If done wrong they will drain quickly and flood the bottom of the tank.
Misty Mountain Volcano
This sells for between $40-$50. It is a large model of a volcano with a cave for hiding underneath. A reservoir holds water and a fogger inside. The price is very reasonable considering it comes with both a fogger and decorative and functional tank décor.
Pros:
Looks great in a tank! It provides humidity and reptiles can hide in the built in cave. If the fogger isn’t working out, the reservoir can be filled with moss instead and used by the herp as another hiding place. Out of all of these options this one looks great even if it isn’t in use.
Cons:
It’s basically a glorified fogger. It doesn’t hold very much water and can be empty in just an hour. Sometimes it splashes and the water pours over the side of the volcano and floods the tank. Crickets can climb inside and drown.
Hand Held Sprayer
A sprayer is the cheapest option of all. These can be a simple spray bottle or a fancy pump sprayer.
Pros:
Puts the desired amount of water right where it’s needed. It creates drips for dew licking reptiles and adds humidity.
Cons:
Has to be done by hand.
These are just a few options for adding humidity and water to a tank. For a dew licker who needs high humidity it would be best to mix some of these options, such as a fogger with a dripper or a sprayer. Remember, a reptile tank should be checked daily to ensure they have fresh water, especially if using an automated watering method.
Katie Ouderkirk - Katie Ouderkirk started working at a barn when she was ten. As the years went on she worked at a number of different barns, two zoos, and ...
Join the Conversation