Humidifier problem !... again...

[Phalguy]

Hello everyone!

I need some advice regarding humidifier. My growing installation is : 21.5 in X 70 in X 70 in.
The 4 faces and the top covered with heavy industrial plastic.
I`ve been able to maintain RH between 56% and 86% with a single ultrasonic humidifier. The problem is: they stop working pretty fast ! I`am at my second one since january and at $50.00 + per unit, it`s becoming expensive. Do you have any other idea ?
What would be the best solution ( I mean, on a domestic point of view ) for me to maintain a RH within the range above withou being too $$$ ?
What about a cool mist humidifier? or a warm mist ?

Thanks for your input

Phalguy

[dlemerson1]

I have same problem using ultrasonic humidifier. May only need to replace ceramic disc but lost manufacturers info. I'm going to try a cheap cool mist humidifier on a timer so I don't have to add water every day.
Dave

[Ross]

Try a cool mist humidifier from one of the "big box" stores. Warm mist humidifiers heat the water and you'd end up with same problems. Cool mist humidifiers have a mesh type insert that sits in water and a fan blows through it blowing water vapor.

[IdahoOrchid]

We were having trouble keeping our orchid room at even 30% this last summer with our little Westinghouse evaporative humidifier even though it would run 24/7. We got a new one made by Hunter that is about twice as big. We now have no problems keeping the humidity at 70-80%. It even spends a good percentage of the time OFF now!!!

It pumps water out of the bottom and it dribbles over some metal mesh blocks. A fan blows air past and through these hydrated blocks. As the air passes through it is humidified through evaporation. I would highly recommend this type. Our other one was a wick that would get ugly with gunk VERY quickly.

I know there is one other type of 'cool mist' out there where a comb disk spins and the water is atomized. I would not suggest this type either.

[dlemerson1]

Thanks, I think we are narrowing this down to some good options.
I just tried a small wick-style humidifier in a small light area. I have 3 fixtures of 2-lamp shoplights (4ft) surrounded by plastic. The humidity ranges 40 to 70 percent. I think it is having a hard time keeping up.
Dave