What Hygrometer/Thermometer to use?

Dyesub Dave · #1 11-09-2008, 10:59 AM

I've been looking at upgrading my rather cheesy and unreliable method of keeping track of these measurements in my enclosures and was wondering what everybody here uses? I've seen some that can measure 2 temps but I think the unit needs to be inside the enclosure. Others have 1 probe for each function and sit outside the enclosure.

I was looking a getting some of these at around $20 each .... Zilla | Products » Specialty Equipment » Terrarium Hygrometer Thermometer however I'm not sure which is the best route to take. I like the idea of the unit being outside of the enclosure like the one in the link.

What products / systems work for you? I'd love to have this all hooked up to my computer but of course that's BIG BUCKS which unfortunately I don't have right now!

Dyesub Dave.

RFB2 · #2 11-09-2008, 11:21 AM

I am very unhappy with the zilla one you have mentioned. For me it has been very unreliable.

Dyesub Dave · #3 11-09-2008, 11:33 AM

Thanks for the heads up. That's too bad because they looked perfect for my setup. I'll keep looking around to see what I can find. Can anybody suggest any other products that work well?

Dyesub Dave.

gbhil · #4 11-09-2008, 02:40 PM

I've got a couple of those Zilla ones, and have to agree - save your money. I like these -
Flukers Digital Thermometer/Humidity Guage

Can't be sure how accurate the hygrometer is, but I can tell you they are very consistent.

Dyesub Dave · #5 11-09-2008, 02:54 PM

I have a couple of the Flukers myself but I'm not all that convinced of their accuracy ... especially when it comes to the humidity gauge. I'm starting to think that the aquarium thermometers with the suction cup are the most reliable for temps anyways.

I have an analogue humidity gauge that never goes below about 65-70% and after I spray doesn't usually go above 85% which doesn't seem right to me. And the Flukers humidity gauge will jump up to 98-99% after I spray but within an hour or so is down to 40-60% which also doesn't seem right. That's why I was thinking something with a humidity probe would be a good idea.

I've also been looking at these but am not sure if they need to be inside the enclosure for humidity or not ...

THERMOMETER HYGROMETER MT3 FOR HYDROPONICS REPTILES ETC - (eBay.ca item 350120782743 end time 11-Nov-08 18:53:27 EST)

THERMOMETER HYGROMETER IDEAL FOR HYDROPONICS & REPTILES - (eBay.ca item 250320288292 end time 11-Nov-08 18:53:26 EST)

Dyesub Dave.

lifeainteasy20 · #6 12-28-2008, 10:25 AM

I think I am going to pick this one up. Anyone have any experience or knowledge of them?

Amazon.com: Super Accurate Adjustable Round Digital Hygrometer: Kitchen & Dining

**Riverside Reptiles** · #7 12-28-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifeainteasy20

I think I am going to pick this one up. Anyone have any experience or knowledge of them?

Amazon.com: Super Accurate Adjustable Round Digital Hygrometer: Kitchen & Dining

It's pretty expensive. And not all the reviews are very positive. Maybe look on Ebay and see if you can't find the same thing cheaper.

lifeainteasy20 · #8 12-28-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverside Reptiles

It's pretty expensive. And not all the reviews are very positive. Maybe look on Ebay and see if you can't find the same thing cheaper.

I don't really find it to be expensive when it comes to a quality hygrometer. I've seen a lot more poorly made products of the same type running near the same price. And where do you see poor reviews? There was only one poor review on that site and that was because it was not accurate straight from the box. But after being adjusted I don't see any complaints.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #9 12-28-2008, 11:20 AM

I guess that it's not all that expensive if you only need one. But for anyone with a sizable collection, $20 per enclosure for a hygrometer gets expensive quickly.

lifeainteasy20 · #10 12-28-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riverside Reptiles

I guess that it's not all that expensive if you only need one. But for anyone with a sizable collection, $20 per enclosure for a hygrometer gets expensive quickly.

I guess you might be right. I am only getting two so it's not a real issue for me if it gives me true accuracy. I am using it for a mostly dry environment but I wanted to be able to check humidity in their cage. I have the Flukers thermometer/hygrometer but I have not read their hygrometers to be very accurate although their thermometers seem to be alright. I have not really tested the Flukers out for accuracy on either the temp or humidity so I think just to show myself the truth I am going to run a test on their hygrometer later today and see how accurate it is.