Humidity Horrors

stvnwht · #1 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 08:40 PM

I seem to be having a lot of trouble keeping the humidity regulated in my 10 gal habitat. I'm keeping an adult golden gecko. The recommended humidity is between 70% and 80%, but I can't seem to get it up past 65% for an extended period. The substrate is bark and I have a 75w basking lamp and a small heat rock. The top of the tank is full screen and I keep half of it covered with saran wrap to help trap moisture. What can I do to keep the humidity where it needs to be?

Dryn · #2 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 01:38 PM

There are many things that you could do... I don't know how your tank is set up, but here is how I set up mine and my himidity stays at 80%.The tank has a screen top with glass covering most of it... I put in a false bottom with eggcrate, then covered it in 1" of LECA, and then added my substrate mix. I mist twice a day.

stvnwht · #3 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 09:39 PM

What is LECA?

Dryn · #4 (**permalink**) 02-25-2008, 03:17 PM

LECA is lightweight expanded clay aggragate. Basically baked clay balls. You can get them through most terrarium suppliers and through all of the hydroponic suppliers. I bought mine through black jungle.

Rainfrog · #5 (**permalink**) 02-26-2008, 05:18 AM

Plant stores sell leca for cheaper than terrarium suppliers. it is called hydroton. some Home depots carry it.

nevrenufanimals · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-2008, 04:30 PM

Petco has it too in the reptile section. About $10 a bag though. (but no shipping fees!!) I would use that next to the eggcrate, put a mesh divider on top and then put some type of coconut bedding over it. It holds moisture much better than bark. (you actually don't even need the eggcrate, it's just for extra drainage. )