Should I be worried about the calcium coming out of my humidifier?

[Joey]

I do not currently have an enclosure for my orchids and have a large ultrasonic humidifier near them. I've been using tap water because it uses so much. There is quite a bit of calcium developing on the outside of the machine. Is there any probability this is an issue?

[Zoi2]

I wouldn't think it would be a problem, do you also have a small fan to disperse the humidity?
Others with more experience with ultrasonic humidifiers will chime in, I don't use that type.
Joann

[Gin]

Hi , I use the ultra sonic type but use rain or RO water if like mine it has a pin that is in the reservoir that will shut off the unit when it runs dry if the calcium builds on it then it won't shut off . Other then that should be ok ..

[Joey]

Thanks for the replies. This is great forum

[Connie Star]

I've been using ultrasonic humidifiers for the nearly 2 years I've been growing orchids. I have hard well water and don't have RO. I collected some rainwater over the summer, but in the colder months I've been putting the well water thru a Brita filter. Supposedly it removes 85% of the calcium. It does seem to make a difference. The remaining calcium does cause the pin to "lime up" but I find that I can periodically scrape it off with my fingernail. I do have a fine white dust on the floor near the humidifiers which I'm sure is calcium. It also winds up on the leaves, but doesn't seem to bother them. I do have 2 muffin fans, connected in sequence so the breeze is gentle, to move the mist. So far I'm pleased.