Humidity HELP, WORRIED!!!

[gototallycrazy]

Day 4 of new enclosure for Ziggy (Green Iguana, not sure of his age):

Specs: 4' (L) x1'9" (W) x6' (H), using ProMist system and a ceramic heat panel ... Top right is an 18" screen, for ventilation (may be source of problem #1 below). Have moss placed on log up top and two bowls of moss on bottom, plus swimming pool and live palm. Shelves are lined with reptile carpet from PetSmart.

Encountering a few problems and would REALLY appreciate advice, tips, etc.

1) humidity drops within a few minutes of mister shutting off (temp is holding steady, with a good gradient throughout) I can get the temp to 75% with mister on, but it drops to 40% within a few minutes.

2) water puddles at bottom -- any way to absorb this?

3) freaked out, stressed ig (<--- I was expecting this, but any tips to make him more comfortable?) He was previously in an aquarium, doesn't venture to the bottom much. Think being near the floor scares him, especially because we have 2 cats (though they don't seem to mess with him or the new cage much at all).

I'm really worried about him today. His color is not very bright, he's turning more grey/brown. I'm afraid it has to do with the humidity. Ziggy is my first iguana (first reptile for that matter) We found him abandoned in a truck and have been taking care of him for the past 3 months and I'm committed to doing and learning everything I can to ensure he stays healthy and happy. I built this tank because I thought it would be great for him, but I don't know how to fix it and I don't want anything to happen to him ... I REALLY COULD USE SOME ADVICE!!!

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!

Please note the photo is backward. The part covered with a towel is where the screen is, covering with wet towel in an attempt to keep humidity in.

**Put in a warm humidifier this afternoon, it helps, but how do you ensure that the humidity is right through out the environment?? It's around 60% up top and 80% in the bottom. Is this ok??? And what is the best way to maintain the right levels???

SORRY THIS IS SO LONG trying to give all the details

Attachments:

[JennaAndIguanaGwen]

I would say humidity is fine, it usually isn't a major health concern. I would suggest taking the moss out - he/she might try tasting it and end up eating some. If those are real plants in there I would also suggest finding out if they are iguana safe seeing as iguanas tend to taste just about everything, especially if its new. I'm not sure what you meant by "I can get the temp to 75% with mister" but heat temps should be 70 degrees at the lowest for night time and from 90-100 degrees in the day time. A UVB light is also a requirement for a healthy iguana - they cannot absorb calcium without it, leading to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). If you don't have a UVB light yet, spend some time with him/her outside in the sun. I'm not sure what to do about the puddles - I don't have a humidifier - but until you figure something out I guess just keep wiping them up. Oh, and as for him/her not going to the bottom of the enclosure - that's normal. My iguana usually doesn't go down there unless she is on her way out of her enclosure, lol. (She has free roam of my room since I had Ig-proofed it and observed that she could be trusted)

[loux99x]

I would highly suggest getting the reptifogger. Keeps the humidity around 75-90% in his 55 gallon (hes only about 3.5 months old) during the day. The problem with having a mister is that even though itll spray water, it won't evaporate fast enough hence why you get water puddles. Get the reptifogger, build a pool for him, put the nozzle of the fogger pipe over the pool (the pipe will leak a tiny bit of water everyday from the fog condensing in the pipe) and I gurantee you the humidity will always be above 80% in his tank. At night I turn the fogger down half way and since there's less heat, the humidity spikes to 100%. He's shed 3 times and havnt had a single problem.

[loux99x]

forgot to mention, building the pool is pretty easy, buy tempered glass and AQUARIUM grade silicone. 1.5 longx10inches high would be a good size for that setup. Don't be surprised if your iggy started going for dips in it lol