Herpstat 4 sensors

[Mike.P]

Has anyone had experience with the humidity sensor on the Herpstat 4? Just got one in for my new cage setup and I love it. But I don't know if I trust the humidity reading. I put in completely dry cypress mulch (dried it out to treat with PAM first,) and haven't misted the cages down once yet. Only source of humidity in them are the water bowls, which are not over the UTH's.

When I set everything up two days ago, the initial reading was right around 60 which is why I haven't misted yet. But now it's crept up all the way to 81.

Any thoughts?

[The Serpent Merchant]

I use one, it is the most accurate sensor I have used so far. If you are questioning it's accuracy, you can salt test it.

Place the salt in the bottle cap (or other small container).
Dampen the salt with water. Do not put so much in that the salt gets "sloppy". You want a damp pile of salt in the bottle cap.
Place both the hygrometer and the bottle cap full of damp salt in the ziploc bag and seal it well. (It is important not to let air on or out while the test is going on.)
Keep it like this for over 8 hours.
After 8 hours in the damp salt environment, the actual humidity inside the bag will be 75%. Compare it to your hygrometer, your hygrometer should also read 75%. If not, you will then know exactly how far off your hygrometer is. If it's off, note the amount and direction that it actually reads and be sure to add or subtract that amount when reading the hygrometer. If the hygrometer has a control to adjust it (either the needle or the display), you can set the hygrometer to 75% immediately after the test.

[Mike.P]

Thank you, I'll try that. Could just a water dish really make the humidity go that high? Guess I may have to start punching holes in my brand new cages if that's the case. Grrr!

[The Serpent Merchant]

It is possible. It all depends on the humidity in the room the cage is in, size of the water dish, and moisture content of the substrate (plus you mentioned PAM? that could also raise the humidity)

[kitedemon]

It is quite possible if there is very little ventilation. I agree the herpstat hygrometer probe is very good. I would tend to trust it more than any other. Is there any ventilation?

[Mike.P]

There is a three inch round vent, one per each half of the cage, on the back. Covered with screen, and a piece of vinyl that has slits in it kind of like blinds.

[kitedemon]

Check the accuracy of the probe and check the room RH. But if both prove normal I might think about adding a vent low on the front side to increase air flow.

[Mike.P]

Eeeek... Dunno if I'm talented enough for that. =/ I'm handy to an extent, but hit my skill limit pretty quickly. lol. Hopefully I came come up with something though.

[don15681]

does the humidity sensor come with the herpstat 4 or do you have to purchase it separate? if so how much is it? thanks don

[The Serpent Merchant]

does the humidity sensor come with the herpstat 4 or do you have to purchase it separate? if so how much is it? thanks don

The Herpstat 4 comes with 4 temperature sensors. The humidity sensor is an add on and costs: $55.00