HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Does that sound right? I have an Acurite which is what I hear alot of people use so I assume it's accurate. But with all the condensation I'd think the humidity would be higher. I was gonna add a bubbler to increase humidity but now I see all the condensation. I guess what I'm asking is, does condensation mean humidity is really high? Like over 80%?

Never assume that a new hygrometer is giving you an accurate reading until you’ve tested to make sure.

A simple, easy to do at home means of calibrating hygrometers uses standard salt and a sealed container. Table salt, when used properly, will maintain an exact 75% humidity in a perfectly sealed environment. So, to do this, you'll need three items. First, obtain an airtight container such as a see-through tub with a tight fitting snap-on lid (the kind usually found in most kitchens). Alternately, a heavy-duty zip-lock bag will do. Second, you'll need about a teaspoon of salt. Third, any small, shallow open container is needed (to hold the salt in) such as a screw cap from a plastic bottle.

Place the salt in its small container and add a few drops of water to moisten it. Don't dissolve it yet. With just a few drops of water, you'll get what you need, which is damp salt. Next, carefully place the salt in its small container, along with your hygrometer, into the airtight container. Please do not get any moistened salt on the gauge. Also, check to see that the starting point (current reading) is anywhere in the 40% to 80% range.

Seal the container tightly. Note: if you have any doubt as to whether or not it is a perfectly sealed environment, double-it-up by putting it in a second container, or into a second baggie. Do not try to remove the remaining air trapped inside. Now, wait for at least 5 or 6 hours until the environment has stabilized. Do not open the container. Read the gauge's humidity % level. It should be exactly 75%. If it is not, note the deviation as being the amount your hygrometer is out of calibration. If for example, it reads 68%, the gauge is 7% low. If on the other hand it reads 80%, the gauge is 5% high.

Fantastic, I'm gonna set it up now!

Condensation is due to temperature difference between the tank and the room temp. While its a good indication of high humidity, it isn't always the case and needs to be doubled checked with a gauge.

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aussieJJDude wrote: ↑

Fri Feb 15, 2019 3:00 am

Condensation is due to temperature difference between the tank and the room temp. While its a good indication of high humidity, it isn't always the case and needs to be doubled checked with a gauge.

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This! ^

Dew point and condensation are funny things.

3 percent low according to the calibration test so it's the opposite of what I thought. I thought I had too much humidity because of the condensation but it's about 74-75%. So it must be the difference in the temp of the tank and the room because we like it cold Or the dew point thing but I don't understand that yet lol.

The dew point is due to the difference in room/crabitat temperature. A large difference will result in an increased likelihood for condensarion to build up then a smaller difference.

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covering up the crabitate with fleece blanket(thin blanket you get from aireplane) might help on condensation temporarily. the whole idea is to minimize temperature difference between outside and inside of the tank.


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Covering a tank with a blanket can help keep heat in, but won't affect the humidity.