Need Humidifier recommendation??

[Dyesub Dave]

GREAT ... Now I've got lots of ideas!!

However do you think that it would still work with the PVC tubing considering that I don't have a forced air system? Mine is simply the warm moist air rising??

Thanks ... Dyesub Dave.

 

[Phatturk]

I have no idea to be honest. Seems to me that it would work just based on simple physics. Hot air rises always, so if you want it to go up I would say it wouldn't be a problem. And as long as you have it sealed good, the pressure should force the air to the other side of the tube pretty fast, although it might take a few seconds to start up. Give it a shot and let us all know. Worst case maybe you need to buy an ultrasonic one at home depot for $40 or something. $40 is really not that much considering the cost of this hobby over all.

 

[Dyesub Dave]

Hey ... I was going to get some PVC tubing for this humidifier project but my mom had some lying around that she said I could have. However ... the spacing on the inside of the tubing is only 1/2". Would this be a problem? I would think it would work the same but perhaps not have to be on as long to do the same job!

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks ... Dyesub Dave.

 

[SierraNevada]

I have an ultrasonic cool mist. I put a 3" pvc pipe on the opening up and over the cage with a couple of 90's and then a short straight piece horizonally over the top....drilled some 3/8 and 1/2 inch holes.

It's great. I put a timer on it and have it go on automatically 3 times a day for 1 hour. The mist flows down over the entire cage like a jungle fog...and forms droplets of water on the top screen after it's done. My panther will go up there and drink from the droplets.

 

[chrisandpugs]

Hi Sierra Nevada,
Can you please post pictures of your humidifier set-up.....Maybe I could get my husband to duplicate your same set-up!!

Christine

 

[SierraNevada]

The humidifier is a simple cool mist....you can use distilled water if you don't want calcium deposits to build up on the machine.

The PVC is not glued and only connected by twisting on for ease of cleaning.

I varied the size of the holes. Be careful drilling!! The speed of the bit, can make a huge difference in smooth holes or problems.

Dino enjoying a chameleon spa hour in his resort.

 

[summoner12]

Here is a link to the Vicks V5100N. Link.

There are a bunch of different brands on that site... so you can get an idea of what is on the market these days.

 

[summoner12]

Dino enjoying a chameleon spa hour in his resort.

LOL cham spa... He looks happy.

I am going to do something like your setup. Does the mist just find the holes? Or would a small fan help move things along? Does the water condence in the tube and pool at the bottom? I am afraid my chams need some more humidity. My mister runs 7 times a day but the humidity in the cage is only 40-45%

Misting times:

5:40-5:50am (this acts as my 10 minute warning before i need to leave for work.)
7:00-7:10am
9:00-9:05am
11:00-11:05am
1:00-1:05pm
3:30-3:35pm
5:00-5:05pm

I am going to change the times to be a little closer together mid day. I am going to shorten the amount of time my lights are on. I find My younger cham is getting ready for bed about an hour ro an hour and a half before lights out. I think I will shorten the day by 30 minutes and see how the boys react.

 

[SierraNevada]

The mist goes right up the tube and out the holes with no fan needed...just like it flows up from the humidifier normally. And...when it comes out the holes...it flows downward....I think it's because the mist builds molecular water mass in the tube as it travels up and then is heavier when it hits the warm air near my basking light at the top.


You will need to get some weather striping for the bottom of the pvc where it meets the humidifier. I suggest some sort of base of the stripping to keep the mist from leaking out at the bottom and causing that calcium depost problem you see on my machine.

Yes...water builds up a bit in the tube and will drip out...my chameleon goes to the top and drinks from this dripping....and so it pretty much makes my little dripper obsolete.

 

[summoner12]

Sounds good. I will have to get a humidifier and experiment. Any tips on the size or arrangement of the holes or the size of the tube?

I was thinking if I use 2.5 or 3 inch tube but at the base have it taper so it fits inside of the outlet of the humidifier the water dripping back down the tube would recycle?

 

[Dyesub Dave]

Hey .... I was wondering if anybody sees any problems with using 1/2" (inside) PVC tubing with a warm air humidifier as these are the items that I currently have?

Thanks ... Dyesub Dave.

 

[TRI0N]

Well 1/2" is pretty small. The warm air system may contrap all the mist to cling around the inside of the PVC and thus leaking out in water drops and/or back down into the machine.

 

[SierraNevada]

Sounds good. I will have to get a humidifier and experiment. Any tips on the size or arrangement of the holes or the size of the tube?

I was thinking if I use 2.5 or 3 inch tube but at the base have it taper so it fits inside of the outlet of the humidifier the water dripping back down the tube would recycle?

I used a 3" pvc, put an end cap on and drilled various sized holes for the fog. The holes are 3/8 and 1/2's.

I didn't drill holes all the way to the end where the cap was so there would be an area free of falling mist...so Dino could escape it if he wanted. See where he is sitting...and the mist to the right....

Good luck

 

[summoner12]

Thanks for the tips!

I guess I did't think about leaving an excape route... my big cage is.... big. I am sure the guy in there will be ok. As for the small cage, I think I will have to keep an excape route in the plan. My small cage might even be humid enough... I haven't been watching it as closely. The cham in the big cage has sunken eyes. I purchased him that way. He seemed to be getting better with how often my mister operates. Now that the Santa Ana winds are blowing the humidity is just sucked out of his cage.

BTW how often do you run the humidifier? All day?

 

[SierraNevada]

Thanks for the tips!

I guess I did't think about leaving an excape route... my big cage is.... big. I am sure the guy in there will be ok. As for the small cage, I think I will have to keep an excape route in the plan. My small cage might even be humid enough... I haven't been watching it as closely. The cham in the big cage has sunken eyes. I purchased him that way. He seemed to be getting better with how often my mister operates. Now that the Santa Ana winds are blowing the humidity is just sucked out of his cage.

BTW how often do you run the humidifier? All day?

Excape? You mean Escape? LOL

Ahh...the ole Santa Ana's...I remember that.

Hmmm....well...as Kammer's told me ...it's not that big of deal...(humidity) with chameleons. Now with Iguanas...it was a huge deal...I had to keep it very warm and very humid 24/7. It's not crucial in chameleons.

I suggest you run it 3 times a day for an hour on a timer...and keep an eye on your tank. Add an auto mister or spray your normal routine...or both and you will be fine.

The whole reason for screen cages with these critters is to ventilate, dry out and prevent bacteria. It should be a wet environment for drinking off leaves a few times a day and then be able to dry out. The humidifier is just an added benefit.

These reptiles get moisture from their prey as well...as the water from your drip or mister.

 

[summoner12]

Yes, escape.

Again, thanks for the tips.

 

[BIGGUN]

Do you notice any temp drop when your cool mist manifold system is on?

Kevin

 

[GrantMechanic]

You have to be aware that ultrasonic humidifiers and impeller humidifiers put the microorganism and minerals in the water into the air.

That said, they may still be a great choice for you. I really like my SPT Ultrasonic humidifier because it has both a warm mist and a cool mist option. The versatility is great. It is also just about the right size for your tasks.

I found it in a great review that has all sorts of other information. It's a great guide if you want a great humidifier.