recommendations for hygrometer

Advice and help for new keepers and those starting to keep Leaf Cutting Ants for the first time.
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Daubz1977
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recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Daubz1977 » Sat Mar 26, 2016 2:25 pm

Hello all,

I think its due to the high humidity in my atta setup but im now onto my 3rd hygrometer in the space of a couple of months, does anybody have any recommendations for a durable and accurate meter, thanks a lot.
ants i keep:-
Atta cephalotes
Polyrhachis dives
Camponotus cruentatus
Camponotus ligniperdus
Camponotus barbaricus
Formica cunicularia
Messor barbarus
Lasius niger

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Deansie26
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Deansie26 » Sat Mar 26, 2016 3:00 pm

I wouldn't worry to much with that type of set up Dale, should be 100% hunidity. Sure someone will be able to recommend one, all the ones I've used in an aquarium set up break also.

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Daubz1977
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Daubz1977 » Sat Mar 26, 2016 3:54 pm

that good to hear, thanks a lot mate. I tested it wrapped in a wet towel and still couldnt get it over 65%
ants i keep:-
Atta cephalotes
Polyrhachis dives
Camponotus cruentatus
Camponotus ligniperdus
Camponotus barbaricus
Formica cunicularia
Messor barbarus
Lasius niger

RichardP
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by RichardP » Sat Mar 26, 2016 4:05 pm

I've used the Komodo hygrometer combined thermometer thing..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Komodo-Combined ... hygrometer

I've found it very reliable to date.. had it about a year.. only downside of it is there are a load of bloody long cables so it's a bit ugly...

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Deansie26
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Deansie26 » Sat Mar 26, 2016 4:24 pm

Mine used to reach 100% on the digital display before packing in, I take it the moisture must effect electrics at high levels of humidity.
Andrew will probably pull me up about this ha ha,

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Magic
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Magic » Sat Mar 26, 2016 4:32 pm

Mine is gone at the second day of tests lol showing only 10% . Going to buy the one for cigar boxes. I hope this one will do

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Acromyrmexbob
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Acromyrmexbob » Sat Mar 26, 2016 6:01 pm

Rule of thumb with hydrometers is you get what you pay for. The same conditions can read anything from +/- 20% either side of the correct level with a cheapie. Buy the maximum your budget allows. At the end of the day, though, I dont actually own a hydrometer. You become accustomed to humidity. There is a specific smell and feel to humid air. If you dont get it its not high enough.

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Deansie26
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Deansie26 » Sat Mar 26, 2016 6:20 pm

I agree with Andrew, you get to know what humid air feels like and I suppose you can tell pretty quick things are OK with the fungus.
It's like testing a fish tanks parameters, you know you should but don't as are confident you can see when things aren't right then check.
I think you gain this through time and experiences with the ants, aquarium set ups you can tell its so humid as soon as you open the some, clinical set ups are more difficult to gauge I'm my experience.

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Antkit
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Antkit » Sat Mar 26, 2016 6:49 pm

Hmmmmm, I would be tempted to say prevention it better than cure... dont wait until things deteriorate..... In times of peace prepare for war. Get a hygrometer,..... monitor your Nitrates and Phosphates.
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Deansie26
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Re: recommendations for hygrometer

Post by Deansie26 » Sat Mar 26, 2016 6:53 pm

I wouldn't disagree with you Jon and I certainly wouldn't advice what I do myself.

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