Misting versus drip system

[betzjen]

If you have a really good mist system and mist several times a day with lots of live plants do you also need to have a drip system?
I have used a drip system for years but recently upgraded my mist system setup. I would love to get rid of the dripper since the water collection is a lot and drowns the plant it drips on

 

[GabeCastro]

I would recommend this set up for a Jacksons Chameleon, knowing they need high humidity levels.

But for a veiled or panther, this can be a bit over kill and can cause respiratory infections. If you're in a really dry area and your cage dries out really well but you can't get your humidity levels above 50%, then i'd suggest covering the sides of your cage with shower curtains or something to help the humidity build up.

Also,

Welcome to the forums!

 

[betzjen]

Are u saying no to both? I would love to only use a misting system and get rid of the dripper. Have a veiled and a ambilobe. Not in same cage of course.

 

[GabeCastro]

Are u saying no to both? I would love to only use a misting system and get rid of the dripper. Have a veiled and a ambilobe. Not in same cage of course.

Well where are you located?

I live in California, so i wouldn't need both. I just use a MistKing. But people in dryer areas may use both. With 2 chams, you can get 2 mist nozzles and mist both cages at the same time

I do have a dripper that constantly drips so it allows my cham to drink.

Has anyone went over your set ups yet? You can always upload pics and double check to see if you're doing everything right. Also fill out the https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/ forum so we can get a better understanding. This helps people out with assuming things, makes it easier to give you advice.

 

[betzjen]

I live in Portland. You stated you just use a mist king. But then in the second sentence you stated u use a dripper.

I have a dripper in both cages and have recently purchased a mist king for the larger cage but have not set it up yet. I usually just spray bottle it several times a day.

I want to go to all misting and no drip system but I have never done that in 12 years and wasn't sure it was a good idea.

Partly because automatic misters in that past were crap and stopped working or leaked.

 

[camimom]

I use a mistking. I dont use a dripper.

my guys get sprayed every 2 hours for 30 seconds each (and one of my five is a montane species) and they are all doing just fine.

 

[GabeCastro]

I live in Portland. You stated you just use a mist king. But then in the second sentence you stated u use a dripper.

I have a dripper in both cages and have recently purchased a mist king for the larger cage but have not set it up yet. I usually just spray bottle it several times a day.

I want to go to all misting and no drip system but I have never done that in 12 years and wasn't sure it was a good idea.

Partly because automatic misters in that past were crap and stopped working or leaked.

You should be good in portland with a mistking/dripper.

When you said "dripper system" i thought you meant you had a automatic raindome set up. This is why pics help

I personally use a mistking/dripper. The dripper helps my cham drink. If you're only using a dripper, you'd have to mist regardless. The dripper won't be able to give off enough humidity. Especially in a larger cage.

Gallon Dripper i use:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-The-Dripper-Gallon/dp/B0002AQE5S

 

[Decadancin]

All depends how your humidity levels are. If you have good levels you don't need the dripper. I have a young veiled and purchased a dripper, and have not used it once. So far the humidity levels are right where I want them so I didn't need to add to it. I kept the dripper because the air will be much drier in winter near me and this may require more misting or even a dripper to aid with humidity levels.The only issue could be that a cham might be used to drinking from the dripper as a source, but most should adjust fine to drinking after misting off leaves and vines. Hope this helps!

 

[betzjen]

Thanks guys that helps.
I had a veiled chameleon for 8 years in the same set up with only a dripper and misting with a spray bottle several times a day. I must of been doing something right because he lived for eight years and the only reason why I put him to sleep is because he had an intestinal tumor. But I want to change things up a bit to make my life easier. But I don't want to make my new guys lives harder.
I have been able to maintain the humidity fairly well.

 

[camimom]

A mist system makes life so much easier.
I can leave for a few days (none of my chams get fed daily) and I dont have to worry about them getting water.

I can go to work, have long days, and dont worry.

best 150 bucks i ever spent.

the mistking i have is the ultimate, so its more expensive, but the mistking basic is only 99.

 

[GabeCastro]

Thanks guys that helps.
I had a veiled chameleon for 8 years in the same set up with only a dripper and misting with a spray bottle several times a day. I must of been doing something right because he lived for eight years and the only reason why I put him to sleep is because he had an intestinal tumor. But I want to change things up a bit to make my life easier. But I don't want to make my new guys lives harder.
I have been able to maintain the humidity fairly well.

Yup,

I'm not saying you're doing anything wrong. You even mentioned you hand misted.

I just stated only using a dripper as your source of humidity is a very poor decision if thats what you were originally asking.

And yes, invest in a MistKing. I got mine off craigslist for $60 bucks, and it's been wonders. Never have to hand mist again!

 

[Rottsko]

If you have a really good mist system and mist several times a day with lots of live plants do you also need to have a drip system?
I have used a drip system for years but recently upgraded my mist system setup. I would love to get rid of the dripper since the water collection is a lot and drowns the plant it drips on

i only have a misting system. no need for a dripper if you're misting and the chams are well hydrated.

 

[Olimpia]

Pretty much 99% of the time I use only my mistking. I do mist for more than 5 minutes at a time, however, so I know that my chameleons are getting a really decent shower 2-4 times a day. Because of this, I don't even look at my humidity (although the reader does say "low" between mistings) because I know that getting their skin and eyes nice and wet several times a day compensates for not having a relative humidity of 60% at all times. My adults (2+ years old) still do full body sheds in under 5-6 hours, so no one can argue that their skin isn't well hydrated.

I like doing multi-minute mistings because I feel that a chameleon does not get stimulated to drink for the first minute of a misting session anyway (they're thinking "ah, human! Ah cold water too, run away!" instead) and when allowed the chance to "shower" they will sit under the nozzle and soak in the water, washing their eyes, and soaking their skin as opposed to just drinking.

 

[yeahbuddy661]

I only mist but this is because its pretty dry out hear so humidity is fine while misting. As long as your setup doesnt stay moist and drys out between mistings you should be fine.

 

[GabeCastro]

Pretty much 99% of the time I use only my mistking. I do mist for more than 5 minutes at a time, however, so I know that my chameleons are getting a really decent shower 2-4 times a day. Because of this, I don't even look at my humidity (although the reader does say "low" between mistings) because I know that getting their skin and eyes nice and wet several times a day compensates for not having a relative humidity of 60% at all times. My adults (2+ years old) still do full body sheds in under 5-6 hours, so no one can argue that their skin isn't well hydrated.

I like doing multi-minute mistings because I feel that a chameleon does not get stimulated to drink for the first minute of a misting session anyway (they're thinking "ah, human! Ah cold water too, run away!" instead) and when allowed the chance to "shower" they will sit under the nozzle and soak in the water, washing their eyes, and soaking their skin as opposed to just drinking.

This is exactly what I do, But my cham is a butthead and only drinks from a dripper lol.