[mordoria]

I was wondering what I would need to build an expandable automated misting system?
I found a great digital timer to run the system. I just need a breakdown of the parts.

I only have a few tanks (10g) and wanted to put a misting nozzle in the front of each.
What parts would I need and what would be the minimum size pump needed to run the misters for about a min, 5x a day? My water is clean so I dont have to worry about a filter system.

I know mist king has a system but I think its overkill for smaller setups and a bit expensive, considering I have lots of parts laying around.
Any photos of your system would cool to see.
Thanks!

 

[rcteem]

I dont know but if cost runs above $99 i wouldnt do it...Mistking has a system for $99 that is only big enough to power 5-8 tanks i believe...maybe 10, honestly cant remember.

 

[frogparty]

I think a lot of people have tried to do it cheaper, but the mistking system still seems like it comes out cheaper in the end.

 

[mordoria]

What if I built a fogger system using a humidifier? Do I need to mist or just keep the humidity up? I want to keep the wood wet enough to cover with moss. I have some epiweb moss mix coming and want it to get nice and thick.
I guess my question is, do I need to "water" the viv or just keep the humidity up?

 

[slipperheads]

People tend to use humidifiers for the aesthetic appeal; sealing the tank normally takes care of humidity, atleast for me..

Misting is for epiphytes and breeding for the most part. There is also the convenience factor, which is why I have one of my own (MistKing). Also wonderful for larger tanks (70gal +) so that it provides good coverage to all plants, hi or low. Imagine doing that manually

 

[Tony]

You can buy all the parts to build an identical system, but it isn't worth it unless you are buying in a large volume.

 

[james67]

misting a 10 gallon 5 times a day for one minute will quickly turn your terrarium into an aquarium. a seconds timer, not a minute timer is needed. adequate drainage is IMO essential to a healthy misting system

secondly, (and i speak from experience since i have built DIY misting systems) the misting pumps commonly available for a decent price are of the solenoid type. they are VERY loud and quite prone to failure. whereas a diaphragm pump will run much more smoothly and quietly.

as others have said i would check out mist king and compare it to your other choices, and i think you'll come up with a clear winner.

james

 

[Tex22seg]

If you just want to mist one tank I would make a diy misting system with various part from lowes that Is in tank (meaning no resivor just drawing from the false bottom). However for more than 2 tanks I would get a mist king. In the end it's cheper and easier.

 

[motydesign]

I've done two diy misting systems, just look for a used espresso machine that uses a pump to push steam. Or buy a replacement espresso pump for $40 on line, wire directly into a 120v plug, I use the mist heads from home depot or lowes, with 15 bar of pressure from the pump you get great mist

If you have a timer that's the only costly part left

 

[frogboy99]

i rather like your idea on the coffee pump but how would you turn this 'Coffee Machine Pump ULKA EP5 *24 volt* 15 bar for home espresso coffee machines' just search on ebay (ps im in australia) into a mist pump do you put pump in resivior or whats up. not much knowledge on the whole misting thing.

i have tried to hook up a weedkiller to mist heads but it shot out rain stram and not mist so i dont think there was enough pressure.

steps would be great i really like your idea i only have one tank

 

[Pubfiction]

IMO the best way to save money on misting is to focus on reducing the price of the fittings. The misting assembly that is sold with most mistking systems is a giant contraption of a bunch of fittings. That cost $15 for a single vivarium.

I came accross this idea because I find the misting assembly to be hideous in the vivarium so I was looking to streamline the bonus is that it actually turned out cheaper and I use fittings that are the more expensive line.

The down side is I cant aim the nozzle its stuck in one position. But I find that to work very well for me.

I use legris 3008 56 11 fittings and stick a misting nozzle in them. I drill through the glass. 2 parts and you have a misting nozzle. They come in packs of 10.

There are a variety of variations on this that you can do. Also you can use uniseals to put stems through, the bulkhead alone cost about $5 bucks and adds to the price alot and really isn't needed on a dart frog tank. So if you can avoid the bulk head or cut down on a number of fittings you can save money.

 

[DragonSpirit1185]

I dont know but if cost runs above $99 i wouldnt do it...Mistking has a system for $99 that is only big enough to power 5-8 tanks i believe...maybe 10, honestly cant remember.

Not anymore. It's now $129. I have been told the price went up just because of the new packaging but I think the new timer has something to do with it as well.