Humidifiers

[orchidrandall]

Im looking to buy a ultrasonic humidifier. This Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier Buy Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier Online at drugstore.com looks preety good. Has anybody used the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier or dose anybody know a good humidifier that will last? thx

[Ray]

1) That is not an ultrasonic humidifier. It works by heating water to a boil via a heating element.

2) If your water supply is mineral-laden, the element will eventually become encrusted, rendering it basically useless. Acidic materials, like vinegar, can help with that, but it's not perfect.

3) No matter what the mode of operation, it has a one-gallon tank that can run for "at least 12 hours". Unless your growing area is pretty well closed off, 2 gallons per day is not much humidification.

[smweaver]

What are you attempting to grow, and what is your humidity like without a humidifier? Lowe's has a decent variety of room humidifiers that should help you out over the winter (assuming you're not going to rely on a single room humidifier to raise the humidity level in your entire house). I would opt for one that has the largest tank you can find in order to save you the effort of having to refill it multiple times per day. And I don't think I would get the Vick's brand that you mentioned. They're basically designed for helping raise the humidity to a level that will help you or a child sleep better at night. Most orchids would probably prefer a humidity level that's a little higher than that. You do want to be careful, however, when you raise the humidity level in your home. If it consistently stays very high, you might end up damaging your walls or the frames of your windows (condensed water dripping down glass in a window frame and into a wall has the potential to cause considerable damage over time, even if it doesn't look like it's doing anything on the surface).

[Tommyr]

I use an Air-o-Swiss model 7133 warm mist. It works great. 2 gallon size. By the way my last name is Randall!

[orchidrandall]

Thanks for all the info, I had a feeling the vicks brand wasn't that good. I should have said before that my humidity is about 60% with my humidity trays. So do I need to get a humidifier?

[Tommyr]

Originally Posted by orchidrandall

Thanks for all the info, I had a feeling the vicks brand wasn't that good. I should have said before that my humidity is about 60% with my humidity trays. So do I need to get a humidifier?

60% is pretty good I'd say. I try to keep mine up above 50% as often as possible while home. I think you're o.k. for now. Corrections welcomed!

[lepanthes89]

Hi; For the last 4 years ,I've used a cheap drugstore type ultrasonic humidifier and i'm perfectly happy with it.Even when I shorted it out by getting the base wet,all it needed was a new fuse (75 cents)and it is still working.I should mention that I run it only when the lights are on,and I have modified the fog output vent with a plastic 'tent' ,so the mist is hitting the mounted cool growers( Pleurothallis,Lepanthes,etc.), and they love it.
So you see, you dont need to humidify the room,only the growing area. However 60 % humidity is good, especially with good air movement.
In closingnly get a humidifier if you grow mounted cool growers that like foggy,mossy conditions, and point the fog at them.
Good luck.