Looking for some help with a humi

[IrishBoi]

So this is what i have done. Ive soaked the sponges. I allowed them to drip dry. I did not squeeze them. I just made sure there was no standing water on the plate before I closed the lid. In the next 2 weeks I need to figure out what kind of hygrometer to get. Does anyone have any suggestions? Im looking to spend no more than 200. The less the better but 200 is no problem. Im only guessing that a hygrometer is the next step?