Proper humidity levels are key to good health with PacMan frogs. Humidity aids the respiratory system of PacMan frogs and helps keep the skin from drying out. Learn more about the humidity requirements of PacMan frogs, and how to maintain a high humidity terrarium.
Since PacMan frogs hail from the jungle areas of South America, it is safe to say they are accustom to high humidity. In fact, PacMan frogs can’t thrive without high levels of humidity.
The definition of humidity is:
a quantity representing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere
In other words, humidity is a measurement of moisture in the air. Proper humidity is essential for PacMan frogs because:
- aids in respiratory function
- keeps the frog’s skin moist
- assists in adequate hydration
How To Establish Proper Humidity Levels
High humidity levels are established by adding water vapor (moisture) to the air of the terrarium. This can be accomplished by doing the suggestions below.
Add A Water Bowl
Add a container of fresh, clean water under (or near) the heat source. As the water evaporates the humidity in the terrarium will rise. Fill the water container with fresh, dechlorinated water each day.
Misting The Terrarium
Use a spray bottle filled with dechlorinated water to lightly mist the terrarium. Mist everything in the terrarium including the substrate, decor items, and plants.
Ideally, everything within the terrarium should be damp, but not soaking wet. Carefully watch the terrarium after misting as the glass should begin to fog up. That’s a sure sign that the humidity in the terrarium is at a high level.
Lightly mist the terrarium at least twice a day to improve humidity levels.
Using a Fogging Device
A great way to raise the humidity within the terrarium is to use a fogging system such as the Zoo Med ReptiFogger. Fill the ReptiFogger with distilled water which creates a nice, humid fog. The fog is directed into the terrarium via a tube and slowly drops down to the terrarium floor and spreads.
The fog increases humidity levels and gives the terrarium a really cool appearance. The ReptiFogger may be connected to a timer so the terrarium is fogged at different intervals throughout the day.
Keeping The Substrate Moist
Moist substrate will aid in establishing higher humidity levels.
Make sure the substrate is moist, but not overly wet. Check the substrate by grabbing a handful and giving it a good squeeze. The substrate should stay clumped and hold its shape. The substrate is too wet if water drips out when squeezing, and too dry if it crumbles apart easily.
Adding a Humidifier To The Room
Adding a humidifier in the room with the terrarium is another solution for raising humidity levels. Raising the overall humidity in the room will help raise the humidity in the terrarium.
How To Monitor Humidity Levels
It is very easy to see when the humidity is at a high level when the terrarium glass fogs up after misting or fogging. Although this is true, always monitor humidity levels. The best way to accurately monitor the relative humidity of the terrarium is by using a hygrometer.
A hygrometer measures the relative humidity of the surrounding air.
An excellent hygrometer to use is the Exo Terra Thermo-Hygro Digital Combometer. Place the external probes in strategic locations to monitor temperature and humidity levels within the terrarium. This device includes a digital display for quick, easy, and accurate readings.
