Dealing With High Humidity in a Crested Gecko Tank

Keeping proper humidity levels in your crested gecko’s tank is crucial for their health and comfort. While low humidity causes issues like stuck sheds and dehydration, high humidity comes with its own set of problems. If left unchecked, high humidity in a crested gecko’s enclosure can lead to potentially fatal health conditions.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes and risks of too much moisture in your gecko’s environment. We’ll also provide actionable tips to bring the humidity down to optimal levels.

What Causes High Humidity in a Crested Gecko Tank?

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor suspended in the air There are a few key factors that cause humidity to rise to excessive levels in a crested gecko enclosure

• Location – If you live in a naturally humid climate, it can be harder to control moisture inside the tank. Places like Florida and Hawaii see consistently high ambient humidity.

• Insufficient Ventilation – Lack of proper air flow allows moisture to accumulate. Tanks with solid lids or limited mesh screening tend to trap humidity.

• Misting Frequency – Over-misting adds too much moisture Humidity spikes after misting then gradually declines as the water evaporates Too frequent misting prevents it from drying out adequately.

• Substrate – Some substrates like sphagnum moss and coconut fiber excel at retaining moisture. Switching to a drier substrate can help reduce humidity.

• Ambient Temperature – Warmer air holds more moisture Cold spots in the tank can lead to condensation buildup. Maintaining proper temperatures helps regulate humidity

• Water Features – While attractive, a large water dish or waterfall feature adds ambient moisture to the environment.

Health Risks of Prolonged High Humidity

Sustained humidity over 80% takes a major toll on crested gecko health. The main risks include:

• Respiratory Infections – Excess moisture encourages growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause respiratory and skin infections.

• Skin Irritation – Constant dampness leads to fungal or bacterial skin infections. Staph and red-legged fungus are common culprits.

• Shedding Difficulties – Counterintuitively, too much humidity causes shed problems. The moist air weakens the gecko’s skin bonds.

• Egg Binding – For gravid females, high humidity causes egg retention. This is extremely dangerous and often fatal if untreated.

Any of these conditions can arise after just a few weeks in overly humid conditions. It’s critical to get the environment back to an appropriate moisture level promptly.

Measuring Humidity Accurately

The first step is determining the actual humidity level inside the tank. Don’t guess—invest in a good hygrometer to monitor it precisely. Digital types are far more reliable than old-school dial hygrometers.

Look for key features in a humidity gauge:

• Accurate within ±2% RH
• Easy to read digital display
• Probe on a cord for mounting inside the tank
• Max/min memory to record highs and lows
• Ability to calibrate and reset

Place the sensor in the coolest part of the tank away from heat sources and misters. Take readings at different times of day to see the humidity range.

Zoo Med’s Digital Thermometer Humidity Gauge is an excellent choice. The remote probe catches the full humidity variation throughout the day.

Lowering Humidity in a Crested Gecko Tank

Once you know the actual humidity level, there are ways to bring that number down:

Improve Air Circulation

Adding more ventilation allows moist air to escape and dry air to enter. Install more screen panels in the tank lid or use a small fan to improve airflow.

Use Drier Substrates

Switch to low-moisture substrates like reptile carpet or paper towels. Avoid moss, coconut fiber, and other moisture-retaining materials.

Mist Less Frequently

Scale back misting to just once or twice a day. Let humidity drop more between mistings before rewetting the tank.

Remove Moisture Sources

Eliminate wet substrates, waterfalls, and large water dishes. Provide just a small bowl for drinking.

Use Supplemental Heat

A low-wattage ceramic heat emitter will gently warm and dry the air without disturbing day/night cycles.

Dehumidify the Room

Run a dehumidifier or ventilate the room to reduce ambient moisture around the tank.

With diligent monitoring and these humidity-lowering methods, you can bring the levels back down to the optimal 50-70% range.

Ideal Humidity Levels for Crested Geckos

Humidity needs fluctuate both seasonally and throughout the day for crested geckos. Here are the optimal moisture ranges to aim for:

• Daytime: 50-65% humidity

• Nighttime: 70-75% humidity

• Shedding: 75-80% for a day or two

These levels provide the right balance to allow proper shedding without risking potential health problems.

Aim to hit at least 50% at the lowest point and not exceed 80% at the peak. Use your hygrometer’s min/max data to adjust your humidity management techniques as needed.

Providing the Right Amount of Moisture

Crested geckos come from tropical forests in New Caledonia where humidity is naturally high. The key is mimicking those humidity variations in captivity.

With the right tank setup, temperature regulation, substrates and misting techniques, you can maintain humidity in the optimal zones.

Monitor humidity closely using a digital hygrometer. Make gradual adjustments as needed to reduce health risks and keep your gecko thriving. Consistent moisture levels in the ideal 50-80% range are vital for their health and happiness.