Is my hygrometer working?

[willjames37]

I just bought a new hygrometer from zoo med to compare the reading with the vivarium electronics one I have because it seems to have unusual readings sometimes. I just misted my 29 gallon enclosure with the exo terra monsoon solo for 15 seconds and the new hygrometer reads 75% while the old one reads 23%. For reference I am in a small bedroom with no air conditioning and its 70 degrees outside. How am I supposed to know which one is right?

[DanDrobates]

I’d be more inclined to trust the vivarium electronics hygrometer but note that most inexpensive hygrometers are unreliable. Just out of curiosity, what species, set up etc are you trying to monitor?

[willjames37]

I’d be more inclined to trust the vivarium electronics hygrometer but note that most inexpensive hygrometers are unreliable. Just out of curiosity, what species, set up etc are you trying to monitor?

Just a 29 gallon tank with a screen top for one adult whites tree frog.

[DanDrobates]

Ok. Whites will tolerate a wider spectrum in terms of relative humidity so I wouldn’t fret too much. A moist substrate will evaporate into the air and if you restrict some of the ventilation (ie by placing a piece of glass over part of the screen top) you will retain more moisture inside the enclosure. I’ve kept some wet and some relatively dry and mine have tolerated both. Just provide a large dish to soak in and mist from time to time and you should be ok.

[willjames37]

Ok. Whites will tolerate a wider spectrum in terms of relative humidity so I wouldn’t fret too much. A moist substrate will evaporate into the air and if you restrict some of the ventilation (ie by placing a piece of glass over part of the screen top) you will retain more moisture inside the enclosure. I’ve kept some wet and some relatively dry and mine have tolerated both. Just provide a large dish to soak in and mist from time to time and you should be ok.

Ok thanks a lot! I just want to make sure my humidity is good before I get him a new friend.