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hypervelocity: Humidity Control (3. Nov 2007 14:36)

Hi all,

I Have noticed that some ant species require a humidity at a constant level. For example: Myrmecocystus mimicus needs an air humidity of '30 %'. How is it possible to measure the air humidity in or around a formicarium? Also how is it possible the create a constant air humidity?
If anyone could answer these question for me i would be highly grateful.

miszt: (3. Nov 2007 15:49)

you need a hydrometer, however, keeping the humidity at a constant level is difficult, if not impossible, what the 30% means is keep it in that rough area, ie. pretty dry :) as they live in the arizona desert

hypervelocity: (3. Nov 2007 16:06)

Hi all,

I see, thanks miszt, This helps me allot. :D

JimmyVe: (3. Nov 2007 18:08)

in deed, a hydrometer would do the trick. ;)

Best way to keep it dry is to use a heat lamp. (in my opinion) you place it above the farm (out world) and it will keep it on a good temperature (you can choice how hot, depending on the lamp you are using) and keep it dry, at about 30-40% this will be good for this species. (Depending on how big your farm is)

If you need to keep it at about 80% like some species prefer, you better use a heat mat on the farm and cover up the out world for 3/4 so the wet air stays inside of the farm.

Try it out before you decide to keep a species that needs a certain humidity. ;)

miszt: (3. Nov 2007 18:41)

yes defintily try it out first, its always good to have your setup ready a month or so before you plan to get the ants, so you can make sure its stable and no suprises will appear when its to late

hypervelocity: (3. Nov 2007 19:24)

Hi all,

Great tips guys, i will definitely try this out. :D