hello can anyone recomend a good device that measures temp and humidity in a tortoise table top inclosure?
temperature control
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Hey Nickie-Mollie
Go have a look at this one, the third one, on the top....
http://www.reptiledepot.com/digital.html
Thats the combination thermometer and hydrometer, its measures both !!! I've ordered it from ReptileDepot, but I'm sure someone else will tell you where else you could find it !
Go have a look at this one, the third one, on the top....
http://www.reptiledepot.com/digital.html
Thats the combination thermometer and hydrometer, its measures both !!! I've ordered it from ReptileDepot, but I'm sure someone else will tell you where else you could find it !
I like the PE1 laser thermometer ($25). I've heard the PE2 is also good. You just point the device and press the button to get an instant and accurate measurement.
I think a humidity gauge isn't worth spending too mcuh money on as besides being aware of the general measurement, you just want to keep the substrate the proper moisture. I use a cheap analog gauge.
I think a humidity gauge isn't worth spending too mcuh money on as besides being aware of the general measurement, you just want to keep the substrate the proper moisture. I use a cheap analog gauge.
I always wondered how accurate these Hygrometers are. I guess not getting how they work is half of it. Kate, how accurate do you feel the analog ones are?
Thanks
Thanks
I love my Honeywell Weather Station- my version can use up to 3 remote sensors and does temps and humidity.
I can leave the main station in the living room, and park a sensor in the habitat, right on the soil, and get good reasonably accurate readings throughout the day. If I had a few bucks to spare, I could add another sensor in the hide.
I think a decent cheapo humidity sensor is a good investment, just like I think several good cheapo thermometers are helpful, even if not real accurate. I think it is helpful to get a 'snapshot' of what things are like in your habitat- to be able to glance at the meters and know what is going on.
I like those big, easy to read dial units you can get at garden centers- maybe they are not super accurate, but they do well enough for this purpose.
I use an IR thermometer for accurate readings. Got mine at Harbor Freight.
I can leave the main station in the living room, and park a sensor in the habitat, right on the soil, and get good reasonably accurate readings throughout the day. If I had a few bucks to spare, I could add another sensor in the hide.
I think a decent cheapo humidity sensor is a good investment, just like I think several good cheapo thermometers are helpful, even if not real accurate. I think it is helpful to get a 'snapshot' of what things are like in your habitat- to be able to glance at the meters and know what is going on.
I like those big, easy to read dial units you can get at garden centers- maybe they are not super accurate, but they do well enough for this purpose.
I use an IR thermometer for accurate readings. Got mine at Harbor Freight.
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Wal-Mart sells digital thermo-hygro combinations that are just as good and accurate as those sold with pet manufacturer names on them. In fact they are often the same ones made by the same manufacturer. They are simply marketed for a different consumer base.
As far as true accuracy-good luck! I experimented with running (3) digital thermometers from different sources in the same incubator and consistently got three different temperatures and humidity levels!
The only way you're going to get true accuracy is to spend much more on lab grade equipment that requires periodic calibration done in a controlled lab environment. I used to have that done only because I knew someone that was the lead field scientist for a local environmental impact study group. It's really not worth the expense or trouble.
Temperature measurement is much easier to control and regulate than humidity. Humidity can change rapidly and often depending upon the situation so to keep or read an accurate humidity level is nearly impossible. You should be able to physically notice the difference if your substrate is too dry or too wet. A humid substrate also isn't going to guarantee humid ambient air which is what a hygrometer would actually be measuring.
As far as true accuracy-good luck! I experimented with running (3) digital thermometers from different sources in the same incubator and consistently got three different temperatures and humidity levels!
The only way you're going to get true accuracy is to spend much more on lab grade equipment that requires periodic calibration done in a controlled lab environment. I used to have that done only because I knew someone that was the lead field scientist for a local environmental impact study group. It's really not worth the expense or trouble.
Temperature measurement is much easier to control and regulate than humidity. Humidity can change rapidly and often depending upon the situation so to keep or read an accurate humidity level is nearly impossible. You should be able to physically notice the difference if your substrate is too dry or too wet. A humid substrate also isn't going to guarantee humid ambient air which is what a hygrometer would actually be measuring.
I think the analog humidity gauges may be within 10% or so. I have a digital weather station type device that is within about 5% of mine. I still believe that although you should have a general idea of humidity, just maintaining it through the substrate is more important than an actual measurement. If you have no idea what the humidity it in the enclosure, just spend the $5 on the analog gauge.
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