Stupid humidity!

[Indigo]

So I got one of those Acu-Rite thermometer/hygrometer things from Walmart, stuck it in there, and it gives me a high humidity of 43%. The cheap little dial one says it's almost -90%- and there's condensation on the humidity dish I threw in there. Is there any possible way either of these can be that extremely inaccurate? I know the dial ones kind of suck, but that much is a bit of a stretch...

[dr del]

Hi,

Actually the dial ones really can be that bad.

I have one thats read the same temperature for the last year despite being placed everywhere from the hot side to the fridge.

I suspect it may be stuck.


dr del

[dalvers63]

One thing I learned about the Accu-Rite thermometer/hydrometer is that it measures humidity through a small opening on the back of the unit. If you're using a particulate substrate like aspen or the like, it can block that area and you will not get a good humidity reading.

The stick on ones can be even worse, as Dr. Del said. I'd check where you have your Accu-Rite and make sure the hole isn't blocked. Then see if your reading is any different.

[JoshJP7]

Those sticks on's are like a 50/50 shot... I have one in one of my tanks that I just never took off and it gives me a semi accurate reading. Its still off 5-7% but nothing extreme like yours. I would assume the accurite is giving the correct reading. I think I have like 15 accurites and 0 of them have problems. Place the unit about an inch or 2 off of the substrate to get the best reading as others have stated.

[starmom]

Do you have another way of reading humidity? I have 17 Acu-rites (for my rack tubs and cages) and I checked their accuracy via my mother in-law's hygrometer. Maybe you could do something like that??

[FL0OD]

try one of these.

[Indigo]

I had it sitting on the aspen. >.>

It's fine, even maybe a bit high. And not too far from the dial. But now it reads the temp on that side at the wrong level... I'll end up getting another little digi for that, I suppose. Temptation is borrowing the one I had.

Thanks for the advice!