Ultrasonic foggers (without all the hubbub)

[^iMp^]

I know very little about these devices except their function and I'd like to set one up in my paludarium. I hope to set one up so it can run through most of the day and produce a very, very light fog in the tank. Since I know very little about these devices, I have a couple questions:

1) Are they safe to use in the same setup as plants/animals? What precautions, if any, must be taken? Are there special brands/types better suited for aquarium use?

2) Could animals (dogs, cats, amphibians, ferrets, fish) be disturbed by the device? I am not a biology wizard, but I'd think that the frequency of sound produced by these devices is too high for most animals to pick up.

I am assuming that they are not safe and that maintenance isn't too bad (maybe top it off once a day). I can easily set up a little "fogger box" outside and above my tank, if necessary, and let the fog pour in. Any suggestions/links?

BTW, I looked at the other fogger thread and, despite the volume and size of posts, didn't find the answers I was looking for.

^iMp^

[Zurp]

Did you see my last post on that topic. It has my plans for my fogger chamber.

To the best of my knowledge, (Trust it as you see fit.), to summarize that lengthy reply.

Are they safe for direct use within the tank. (No) we both agreed on that.

Precautions. (Physical burn-like damage from direct contact with the stream. Excessive heating of water from prolonged operation. Possible bacteria build-up from not regularly changing water. Possible pneumonia from extended use.)

Any special brands? (No, only one company manufactures this device, they are all the same. Right down to the power-pack. Only the name on the box is different.)

Animals will not be disturbed by the sound of the element which creates the fog. (However, the whole unit may rattle from secondary sound during operation if not mounted to a surface. {Sounding like an electric toothbrush banging against the surface that the device rests on. The jet that is produced, forces the unit back-wards, as the jet goes fore-ward.})

These are not safe for unattended operation where life can contact the stream. However, the fog is totally safe. Provided that all above cautions are taken into consideration. (For the record, have now owned three of these, from different "Box labels", and each is built exactly the same, and operates the same. I now have them for providing my morning and night fog roll-in, and one provides constant humidity for my iguana. {The one inside the bucket from the last post drawing.})

One word about chemical concentration also, don't continually (TOP-OFF) the water in this device. sediment buildup from topping off will easily stop this from operating, and the chemical concentration and salt, may further enhance the above mentioned conditions of bacteria and pneumonia. It will be better to replace stagnant water every week.

Don't forget, you will be breathing this air also, it will rise out of the tank and into your house. (This will also make your house feel about 10 - 20 degrees colder, if used for extended periods.)

[^iMp^]

Hmmm...looks like I'll have to put this off until I can invest more time researching and planning such a project. I don't want too much fog...barely enough to be visible, really.

Would it help to use distilled water? I mean, from the chemical buildup standpoint.

Also, are there other types of foggers that might be more appropriate for this type of application?

[Zurp]

If you only want a mild fog, I would suggest using a timer with half hour settings, or 15 min settings.

Home Depo has an electric timer that can let things run for as little as 2 min. but there are only 8 slots for on/off. This may be what you need. (I use half hour settings, 30min. on, 30min. off, 30min. on, One hour of total operation per duration, with a half hour between settings.)

Yes, distilled water and reverse osmosis water are a preferred filler for use. However, all water contains dissolved minerals to some point. This becomes noticeable through testing and solidification from slower evaporation.

One more note. The water level sensor on these things are garbage. They corrode and stop the fogger from working when water levels are more than perfect. (You should clean the sensor and the disk with every water change, weekly. Use a soft toothbrush with a small drop of distilled vinegar on it. Then wipe off with a paper-towel.)

[pufferfreak]

i have seen one of these things on a 55 gallon aquarium and the aquarium was half empty with like a log and lang on top of the water half way and it looked cool....always wanted to do this...could i on a 29 gallon?

[Zurp]

Yup, the fog normally stays about three inches high in my 55 and stays rather thin. In my 20 gallon long, the fog rose to about five inches, and was thick like concert fog. I think that my 20 Long,and your 29 gallon have the same footprint, only yours is taller, (I think).

The fog will rise as the unit heats up, heating up the fog, which will give a deeper fog that is also thinner. Also, any temprature variaton from heaters will thin out fog, as they create convex curents within the tank.

(Eventually, with extended use, the whole tank will be filled with a medium fog. This usualy happens after about one hour of continuous use, as the humidity and temprature rise, holding lighter droplets in the air longer.)

[Zurp]

Sears has an ultrasonic humidifyer for about $48.00. There are four fog level settings, and two fan speed settings. The water is even chemically filtered, in the one gallon storage container. This may be what you are looking for.

For a cost of ten dollars over the average price of a normal fogger unit, you get the whole setup. (Water storage container, water filter, adjustable voltage levels for the fogger, and distribution fan)

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=04214175000