Humidity level

Question
QUESTION: I just purchased a water dragon and I have set things up the way the store told me, but it says that the humidity in the tank is only at 40 to 50. How do I get the humidity to go up? Do I need more water or less water in the substrate? I don't have live plants in there but I have the UVB lights on I have a night one and one for the day.

ANSWER: Hello Kellie,

What type of substrate are you using?  You can put a large water dish, or tub inside of his tank, so he/she can swim around in it.  That will help keep the humidity up to around 70% or so.  Make sure to put a water source on the warmer side since the evaporation is what will help get the humidity levels up more evenly.
Can you post a picture of your setup for me, so I can take a look at it?  That would help.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------


Tank   QUESTION: Thank you for your answer. I went today and bought a garden mister and sprayed the tank and the humidity went right up to 80%. I am worried that it will be too wet though with that. I have ordered a timed fogger so I am hoping that will help and I also ordered a lizard pool for him because they forgot to put that in my cart at the store. The substrate I am using is Coconut fiber bedding. Also he seems to be hanging out more in the cooler side of the tank, is that normal?

Answer
Hello Kellie,

Well, that is good you got the humidity up today.  That should be fine.
What type of thermometer are you using to measure your temps right now?  What are your temps in the tank?
The coconut fiber bedding will be fine as a substrate it is good at holding humidity.  The timed fogger should work great.
I hate to have to tell you though, but water dragons need more height that the regular tank that you have.  So, once he or she gets larger you are going to have to get a taller tank.  They are more arboreal than bearded dragons, & need to climb more.  
It looks good as a starting out though.  
He should be basking though.   So you will need to double check your temps to make sure they are where they need to be.   
Which UVB are you using, is it a long flourescent tube bulb or a compact or coil?  If you are using a compact or coil, sorry, but you will need to take that back as they are not very good lights.  They do not emit much of any UVB light & are dangerous as well.  That could be why he is hanging out away from it.  Do you use a bright white basking light for him?  If not, you will need to use a bright white basking light in conjunction with ANY UVB light you will be using.  The best UVB tube light you can get is the Reptisun 10 flourescent tube bulb.  You can get it for a good price from:
www.petmountain.com

Let me know how things are going.
Tracie