Are you struggling to keep humidity levels up in your reptile tank?
Is it hard to remember to mist your tank consistently throughout the day?
Are you looking for a way to automate the humidity levels for your reptile?
Keeping humidity levels up in a reptile’s tank is a common problem.
Reptile humidifiers or foggers are a great way to keep humidity levels automated and consistent.
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep the humidity up, a homemade reptile fogger is a great option.
Keep reading for more information on how to build a DIY reptile fogger with only minimal supplies.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need to Build a Reptile Fogger
To create a reptile humidifier, here are the supplies you will need:
Ultrasonic Humidifier
An ultrasonic humidifier is different than a regular humidifier.
Normal humidifiers heat the water to create water vapor.
You want to avoid these because they will raise the temperature in your reptile tank.
Ultrasonic humidifiers create a cool mist, which will help with humidity and help keep the temperature in the enclosure from getting too high.
The Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier from Amazon would be a great choice because the teardrop shape makes for an easy way to connect tubing to funnel mist into the reptile tank.
Pro tip: Consider adding a filter system to your humidifier.
This will ensure clean mist for your reptile as well as increased humidity levels.
The Crane Cool Mist Humidifier comes with the option of adding a filter.
Tubing
The tubing is what will help the mist travel from the humidifier into the tank.
Just your basic tubing from your local hardware store will do.
You’ll want to use a tube 1/2″ inch in diameter and long enough to reach your reptile tank.
Barb Connector
This is also available at your hardware store.
You’ll want to pick up one 1/2″ inch – 3/8″ inch in size.
Timer
To automate your mister, use a programmable wall outlet timer like this one I found on Amazon.
This timer will allow you to create multiple programs a day.
This means you’ll set up an automated misting schedule during the day for your desired amount of humidity.
Optional Supplies
While not essential, these supplies may come in handy in putting the finishing touches on your reptile fogger:
Wrench
It may be difficult to insert the barb connector into the humidifier’s opening, so use a wrench to help you get the job done.
Zip Ties
Unless you plan to simply drape the tubing into the tank, you will likely want some way to keep the tubing in place.
Use zip ties to attach the tubing to the mesh top of your reptile enclosure.
Silicone Sealant
If you’re concerned about having tight seal around the barb connector and humidifier, consider applying some silicone sealant.
Just make sure it’s waterproof.
Steps to Create your DIY Reptile Fogger
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to start assembling your reptile fogger.
The process is simple once you’ve read through the instructions.
However, this video also provides an easy, visual walkthrough of how to create a DIY reptile fogger:
Step #1: Assemble your Humidifier
Remove your humidifier from its box and follow instructions to assemble it.
If you have decided to add a filter, make sure you insert it as well.
Step #2: Add the Barb Connector to the Spout
To connect the tubing to the humidifier, you will need to add a 1/2″ inch to 3/8″ inch barb connector to the spout.
Simply twist the threaded end into the humidifier’s spout, until it is tightly connected.
You may need to use a wrench to insert the connector fully.
Pro tip: Once the connector is secure, you may wish to add some silicone sealant outside the humidifier where the barb connector was inserted to create a tight seal.
Any moisture leaving the tube is moisture not getting into the tank, which may affect your desired results for better humidity levels.
Step #3: Connect the Tubing
Connect the tubing to the portion of the barb connector sticking out of the humidifier’s top.
You’ll want to make sure you have enough tubing to reach into your tank.
Pro tip: If using a sealant, do not use any on the tubing.
You want to make sure the tubing can be detached to make filling the humidifier tank easier.
Step #4: Insert Tubing into Tank
Once you have all the pieces connected, lead the tubing into the tank, and secure it.
There are a few ways to do this.
Insert the tubing by lifting one corner of the tank’s lid.
If you have a reptile that can climb, you may want to consider another option.
Another way to secure your tubing is to cut a hole in the mesh top, wide enough for the 1/2″ inch tubing to fit through.
However, if you want a way to secure the tubing without cutting into the mesh, cut it at an angle, starting about 2-3in from the end.
Cutting the tubing at an angle ensures the mist goes directly into the tank instead of into the room.
Place the tubing, so the angled part is flush with the mesh screen and then secure with zip ties.
Pro tip: When you set up your tubing, you’ll want to make sure it does not sag lower than the humidifier.
Your humidifier should be at the lowest point.
If the tubing sags, condensation will build up in the tubing and will not reach the tank.
Step #4: Fill your Humidifier Tank
Be sure to use filtered or distilled water, so you reptile gets clean mist.
If you’re using a filter in your humidifier system, normal tap water is fine because the filtering system will do the work of purifying to water for you.
During the first few days of use, keep an eye on the water levels.
Also, make sure to check the tank regularly to keep it filled.
Step #5: Set Humidity Control Level
Once the tubing is in place and the tank is filled, turn on the humidifier to the desired humidity level and watch as your homemade reptile fogger goes to work, keeping your reptile’s tank humid.
Make sure you know what your particular reptile requires, so you provide the appropriate amount of mist.
Step #6: Automate by Connecting to a Timer
While automating your reptile fogger is not necessary, it will free you up from having to remember to turn the machine on and off.
To automate the fogger, plug in your automated timer to the wall outlet, then plug the humidifier into the timer.
Program the timer to the desired times and duration you’d like the humidifier to mist into the tank.
Now you’re all set! You have an automated reptile humidifier to help your pet’s tank stay cool and humid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I automate my reptile fogger? – Connect your humidifier to an automatic timer.
Set it to come on and turn off at different points in the day, leaving you free from your misting duties.
Just make sure you check in periodically during early use to ensure the timer is set correctly, and the humidifier is misting at the desired times.
The mist is getting stuck in the tub. What do I do? – If the mist is backing up in the tub instead of getting into the tank, you’ll want to check your tubing position.
If it is sagging below your humidifier’s level, the condensation will gather at the lowest point.
Be sure to keep your humidifier at a lower point to allow for the water vapors to travel better through the tube.
How do I keep the mist from escaping the tank? – So you got your fogger all set up, but you’ve noticed mist keeps escaping the tank.
To solve this problem, make sure half of the tank’s mesh top is covered to keep in as much humidity while still allowing for proper airflow.
You might also consider moving the tube to a different position in the tank.
Instead of using zip ties to attach the tubing to the tank’s mesh top, consider funneling the tub directly into the tank and positioning it along with one of the walls using suction cups.
How often will I need to refill the humidifier’s tank? –The Crane Humidifier runs for up to 24 hours with a full tank.
It also has an automatic shut off feature when the water runs out.
Conclusion
While many reptile foggers are available for purchase, you might find it easier and more effective to make your own using an ultrasonic humidifier, some tubing, and a wall timer.
Once you get it set up, check it periodically to ensure the humidifier tank is full to make sure your reptile gets the mist it needs to keep humidity levels up.
