Spider room humidifier inquiry

[Pyst]

The humidity level in my den/spider room is typically very low unless it rains or has rained. The room is only about 12'x16'. I keep both doors leading in and out of the room closed to keep the temperature up and to keep the cat out. I spend alot of time in here as my computer and a TV is in here along with my collection. I'm wanting to raise the humidity not only for my spiders but for my own sinus relief.

I'm looking for responses from anyone that has one or used one and can make recommendations. I don't know if I ought to get the "cool" or "warm" mist type. I'm leaning towards the warm mist to keep the temp up some rather than cooling it down.

I've found one that really interests me and it's made by Honeywell.(Link below) "Independent humidity control maintains your preferred humidity level" which is a great feature.

Honeywell HWM330 3 Gl. QuickSteam Warm Mist Humidifier

Please give me your thoughts either good or bad. Thanks!

-Mike

 

[BLS Blondi]

Humidity

I still use the archaic process of misting the cages with warm water three time a day. Keep in mind that not all T's need high humidity. Most of the Mexican and African species do not require 80% humidity. Some that do require higher humidity are Pamphobeteus species, Theraphosas (blondi and apophysis) and Xenesthis species require the highest levels. Chances are, your room has a humidity of about 40-50% anyway, so most species should be OK with this. Spraying cages is the best method. If you humidify the whole room, you may get mold in the carpet, etc. Just spray the cages a few time a day. That should be fine. If you want humidity control via some system, make sure that fresh air is aplenty in that room or the cages will beciome stagnant--perfect for mold. And mold can kill T's.

 

[Pyst]

I'm wanting to just raise the humidity of the whole room. Right now its measuring in the low 30's percentage wise. I'm not trying to make rainforest-like conditions. I just want to maintain around 45%-50% humidity level. As for the enclosures everything is maintained well moisture wise but thanks for your input.

-Mike

 

[cichlidsman]

what type of heat do you use in this room?

 

[Pyst]

It's central heating. In here the temps range from 72F-76F and in the rest of the house it's around 70F. The heat is so dry and wreaks havoc on my already existing sinus problems. Misting and refilling waterbowls is a near daily chore. Whereas in the summer it's only weekly.

 

[cichlidsman]

i was going to say if you had baseboard heaters to just put some water dishes on them. I have off people doing this.

 

[esotericman]

You keep some pretty humid loving species; species that also like cooler temps. If I were you, I'd go with an ultrasonic humidifier, but only if you have easy access to distilled water.

There once was a type which forced air through sponge of sorts and the water in the reservoir but they're famous for growing mildew.

Also the likelihood of an ultrasonic catching fire is nil, and you don't have to mess with adding various things to get the humidifier either working or working without massive solids build up.

It's a few extra bucks, but I feel it's worth it.

 

[bkirchner81]

I would have to remark that ultrasonic waves may not be a good thing for invertebrates in general- does anyone know if ultrasonic could be harmful?

Also the 'forced through water/sponge' device is the Tropicaire Humidifier and can be read about/discussed here :

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=72329

^^ this thing will probably not help much with humidifying your entire 12x16 room- but it's quite effective at humidifying a T's enclosure or two..



I'm thinking the Honeywell product you mentioned looks pretty darn good- stay away from ultrasonic if at all possible..

 

[cheetah13mo]

Heres the one I recieved for Xmas and it works very well. The resivior is big enough that it'll go all night with no problems too. I have not had it long enough to see a significant difference in the humidity but my wifes sneezing has all but dissappeared in a matter of a day or two so I know it's doing something. I have yet to know the effect on the evaporation of the moisture in the T containers but I'll know something soon since the containers are on the other side to the room the humidifier is in. I hope it helps but if not I might spring for a bigger one for that room. I've also hear that the ones you hook up to the central air is not much more expensive than the protable floor models. Does anyone have any info on these? Thanks.



http://www.kitchen-hills.com/Honeywell/Honeywell-HUT102-Cool-Mist-Ultrasonic-Humidifier-Tower-B000ANYQIY.htm