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How to Measure Humidity in Your Vivarium

A vivarium is a container that is used to raise live plants and animals. There are many specific types of vivariums, such as aquariums, terrariums and insectariums. In order to allow your plants and animals to thrive in your vivarium, you have to maintain the proper environment. For example, a terrarium designed for desert reptiles must be kept dry, while a terrarium meant for amphibians must be kept humid. In order to keep track of the internal environment of a vivarium, you will need instruments like a humidity gauge. This will allow you to measure humidity levels within the vivarium to ensure optimal living conditions.

Things You'll Need

Humidity gauge
Window cleaner
Paper towel

Instructions

- 1
  Select a section of glass on the inside wall of the vivarium for the humidity gauge. Choose a spot where the gauge can be easily read.
- 2
  Open the lid of the vivarium. Don't let anything escape.
- 3
  Spray the section of glass you chose in Step 1 with glass cleaner and wipe it with the paper towel. The humidity gauge attaches to the glass by way of a suction cup, so the cleaner the surface the better the grip.
- 4
  Moisten the suction cup with some water and press it firmly onto the vivarium glass wall.
- 5
  Close the vivarium lid. The gauge will begin measuring the internal humidity of the vivarium, but it will take about a half hour to reach equilibrium and provide a reliable reading. Monitor the humidity daily, and keep the humidity within the range your pets require for a healthy life.

Animals & Science