The hygrometer, an important element in the terrarium
Why is a hygrometer in the terrarium necessary?
Reptiles are warm animals, that is, their body temperature approximates the ambient temperature. That is why they are often sensitive to unusual climatic conditions. Depending on the type of reptile, a certain humidity and temperature in the terrarium is necessary, because many absorb it through their skin or lungs. If the air in the terrarium is too dry, it can trigger life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia. Therefore, a hygrometer should be installed in the terrarium, as this shows the prevailing humidity inside. In this way you are able to maintain the climatic balance for your animal at any time, which is of crucial importance for its health.
The required air humidity differs depending on the type of reptile and the terrarium. In the aquaterrarium, for example, the water content predominates, which is why it is particularly suitable for amphibians, reptiles that prefer water or frogs and turtles. Accordingly, the air humidity in this terrarium is higher. The forest terrarium, which is a preferred habitat for lizards, tarantulas or insects, should also have a higher level of humidity. It gets really wet and sometimes foggy in the rainforest or tropical terrarium, which also contains tarantulas, lizards, frog amphibians or snakes. In the case of a dry, desert or stone terrarium, the humidity inside should be kept correspondingly lower in order to keep lizards, tarantulas or scorpions in a species-appropriate manner.
Choose a high-quality hygrometer for your terrarium that precisely shows the prevailing humidity for the sensitive animals. A thermometer is also required to ensure the correct temperature in the terrarium, because this is almost as important for the health of your reptiles. A thermo-hygrometer reliably shows you both values in one device.
Which hygrometer should be attached to which place in the terrarium?
With hygrometers or thermo-hygrometers, you have the choice between the digital and analog versions. Digital hygrometers usually have a remote sensor, which is attached to the terrarium with a suction cup. The hygrometer itself remains outside the terrarium and receives the corresponding values.
Analog hygrometers, on the other hand, must be attached directly to the inside of the terrarium using adhesive strips on the back. The advantage of analog hygrometers in a terrarium is that they usually provide more precise measured values. You can also read the values without difficulty due to the large numbers.
When installing a hygrometer in the terrarium, you should make sure that it is neither too close to the water basin or waterfalls nor near the ground. The humidity displayed on the hygrometer would be too high in the area of influence of the water, just as if you have reptiles that need a moist floor. Therefore, the hygrometer should be installed in the terrarium exactly where the influences on the measuring device are the least, i.e. not near water or heat lamps. In this way you prevent falsified values and accordingly do not endanger the well-being of your reptiles.