Somebody is Watching You - Stabalizing Humidity in the Hermit Crab Tank
I just got home from work and I’m soooooo excited! The Straw tank (29 gallon) is at 80.2/77% and my 55 gallon is at at 77.5/79%, I just don’t think I could ask for any better temp and humidity. I’m ordering pizza to celebrate! No cooking for me.
Here are the things that I’ve done to stabilize my humidity:
- I use a Tropic Aire Humidifier. I added a t-valve to the air hose from the pump to the unit itself. I split the hose from the pump to the unit and attached the valve between. The valves are like a dollar at the aquarium store and I do this now with my air stones too. It allows me to adjust the airflow from the pump to the tank/pools when the humidity is too high or too low. If you get a Tropic Aire I would also really recommend that you have a pump that’s rated for your size tank. You don’t want to use a 10 gallon pump for a 60 gallon tank, etc.
- I use glass lids, these work better with the humidifier. The humidifier is really designed to work in a sealed environment. I crack the lid slightly if the humidity gets too high.
- If you have a larger pool, try an air stone in it. They really keep the water much fresher and they help to raise the humidity.
- I am now keeping moon glow lights turned on all the time. They tend to keep the air temp warm and help to burn of excess humidity. I am using a 15 watt and a 25 watt on a 29 gallon tank. I use a repti sun 2.0 fluorescent during the day. It keeps the tank warm and the crabs love it; I find several perched under the lights every day.
- Substrate (crushed coral) is at “sand castle” consistency.
I have a Habba Mist that I am not longer using on my tanks. I hardly used it, if anybody wants it I’ll sell it for $20.00 + shipping costs, they’re normally around $40.00. I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area, so if you’re in the area you can save yourself the shipping.
