HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Does the water have to be distilled in order to get accurate salt test results or is tap water ok ? I have a ton out hygrometers and not getting accurate results with most just curious always used tap water wondering if that is playing a role here.

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I'd like to know as well, because one of my hydrometers I use is apparently -15.

PinchersAndShells wrote:I'd like to know as well, because one of my hydrometers I use is apparently -15.

Yep one is big time off the others are off about 8 points one was only off by 2.

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As far as I've experienced, hygrometers aren't accurate in general, which is why we have to calibrate them. I don't think type of water makes any difference.


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No, it should be reading the same, they both fresh water. If the tap and the distilled isn't reading 1.000 then something is wrong with your water or with the equipment.

(Also hydrometers are notorious for being off, similar to the analog gauges that we use. If you're looking for the most accurate reading, I'd suggest looking into a refractometer. They aren't cheap however, but they far more superior/accurate.)

aussieJJDude wrote:No, it should be reading the same, they both fresh water. If the tap and the distilled isn't reading 1.000 then something is wrong with your water or with the equipment.

(Also hydrometers are notorious for being off, similar to the analog gauges that we use. If you're looking for the most accurate reading, I'd suggest looking into a refractometer. They aren't cheap however, but they far more superior/accurate.)

Thanks where do i get how and how expensive because i will def look into that anymore info ? Seems my gauge is of by 8 points after 12 hours. Never really had one accurate one.

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Ah like 100 bucks I'll have to really suck up to the wife to get one of these

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I meant hygrometer - I'm having problems with the spelling. >.<

Digital ones are more accurate than analog ones too. I have an AccuRite and I love it! It's only a few points off for humidity. They last a while and are under $10 at Walmart


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DressageQueen wrote:Digital ones are more accurate than analog ones too. I have an AccuRite and I love it! It's only a few points off for humidity. They last a while and are under $10 at Walmart


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I just got a digital one, although I didn't get Accurite, I got one with a probe, it's only off by +5 while my analog was apparently -15.

PinchersAndShells wrote:

DressageQueen wrote:Digital ones are more accurate than analog ones too. I have an AccuRite and I love it! It's only a few points off for humidity. They last a while and are under $10 at Walmart


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I just got a digital one, although I didn't get Accurite, I got one with a probe, it's only off by +5 while my analog was apparently -15.

My two digital dual temp/hum gauges both went kaput after about 3 months. One (the Accurite brand) is currently telling me that the temperature in the tank is 189 degree F. It is spot on with the humidity at 89%. The other digital (from Lowes; brand unknown) is currently reading 6F and 1% humidity. My analogs maintained their integrity for years as opposed to months...

mool wrote:

PinchersAndShells wrote:

DressageQueen wrote:Digital ones are more accurate than analog ones too. I have an AccuRite and I love it! It's only a few points off for humidity. They last a while and are under $10 at Walmart


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I just got a digital one, although I didn't get Accurite, I got one with a probe, it's only off by +5 while my analog was apparently -15.

My two digital dual temp/hum gauges both went kaput after about 3 months. One (the Accurite brand) is currently telling me that the temperature in the tank is 189 degree F. It is spot on with the humidity at 89%. The other digital (from Lowes; brand unknown) is currently reading 6F and 1% humidity. My analogs maintained their integrity for years as opposed to months...

It seems to me analogs last a little longer I'm also not 100 % convinced the salt test actually works due to variables in buying a hygrometer test kit to make 100 % sure it's done right and if their still off than i can fully conclude it's my gauged at are out of whack

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The salt test is just to establish how much the hygrometer is off. All of them are going to be off, no matter what type you get. That's the whole reason for the test, lol! I keep my digital one off of the sub, Velcroed to the glass. My first one lasted me about 2 years that way. Then my goofy crabs yanked it down and tossed it in the water and it eventually died


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DressageQueen wrote:The salt test is just to establish how much the hygrometer is off. All of them are going to be off, no matter what type you get. That's the whole reason for the test, lol! I keep my digital one off of the sub, Velcroed to the glass. My first one lasted me about 2 years that way. Then my goofy crabs yanked it down and tossed it in the water and it eventually died


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Yes I'm aware of what the test is for. Your missing my point what I'm saying is the results may be inaccurate due to many variables such as people using tap water container not being air tight even if it's supposed to be. difference in salt dampness and amounts among others which means you may think it's off or correct due to off results when in fact it may be not off or off. The point i was making is maybe the TESTS them selves are not accurate to discern if the gauges are accurate.

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MmmmmQuestiooon: can I leave an analogue hygro/thermo resting on the sub and still expect accurate (as such) results? The crabs murdered two velcro strips and I keep finding it on the ground. (I have a feeling they're trying to climb it.)