Humidity and Air Quality

[jarich]

One of Brady's threads about sealing his enclosure led me to thinking about our enclosures and air quality. I actually havent sealed mine nearly as thoroughly as many of you, and rather than do that I went the other direction. I actually added a hole about 3 inches diameter to the side. I did this so that I can point my humidifier, which is outside the enclosure, to shoot straight in. I havent had a problem with humidity since. Its stays a nice 65% during the day and goes up to about 90% at night. I did this because I wanted to keep the humidity high but was worried about having a stagnant situation as regards air quality. In all my other enclosures I have live plants that cycle the air, so its not the same concern. However with the monitor, plants are next to impossible, so I worry about sealing it off completely. Again, just thinking out loud but would love to know everyone's thoughts regarding sealing an enclosure tight vs pumping in humidified air.

[BarelyBreathing]

I like this idea, actually. What brand humidifier do you use, and do you have pictures?

[infernalis]

Even a sealed enclosure will have the door opened a few times a day.

The normal exchange of air that occurs by opening the door prevents stagnation of the air.

My BP enclosure on the other hand, I have to remember to open it once a day, because he does not get fed nearly as often as a monitor.

[jarich]

I've got a cool air humidifier made by Vicks oddly enough. And ya I'll post pictures on Monday. I guess I haven't posted any pics of things in awhile and have to post some to the other forum for murrindindi anyway.

[mo9e64]

I thought this would be a more popular thread which people could discuss as it has so much revelance to monitor husbandry.Do we overestimate how much airflow is required for a monitors well being when too much can have a detriment to their well being,if it aides in dehydration.Can a design of cage elimate the need for humidifier?What role does a deep substrate have in preventing dehydration?

[Mikey T]

I agree Moe... I was hoping for the same thing.
as I am a newb, the only thing I can contribute is, since I have sealed Ares' (blackthroat) tank up and the humidity has gone way up, he's been more active and old sheds he has have been coming off much more, his colors have started coming out as a result.
These are the only results I have seen so far.

[infernalis]

I sealed up my Sav enclosure really tight, and I get incredible humidity readings without any humidifier at all.

In fact I just now went and looked, the humidity down on the grass is 89% and the air smells just fine in there when I open the door.

Sealed enclosures are the only way to go.

[infernalis]

I agree Moe... I was hoping for the same thing.
as I am a newb, the only thing I can contribute is, since I have sealed Ares' (blackthroat) tank up and the humidity has gone way up, he's been more active and old sheds he has have been coming off much more, his colors have started coming out as a result.
These are the only results I have seen so far.

Health and longevity are sure to follow. ;) (in my opinion of course)

[Bradyloach]

umm my humitdy is 68% on the cool side i think thats pretty good. Im not really that sure tho! I dont want my monitor to die :(