How to choose Mist Makers
Maintaining humidity (Moisture content of the air) in a vivarium can be a problem. Traditional methods can be effective but sometimes difficulty is experienced maintaining a constant humidity. For some retiles this is not too much of a problem. Others, however, such as those having evolved in the depths of the great rain forests where, the air is so dense with moisture, that un-acclimatised humans would find it difficult to breath, can suffer and decline from insufficient or inconstant humidity. Bowls of water relying on evaporation, cascading mini waterfalls and household plant misters (Spraying at least twice a day), can all be effective used individually or together. For ultimate humidity consistency and delivery, a mist maker is unsurpassed.

About Mist Makers.
A mist maker is a small, bright chromium finished, metal cylinder containing a ceramic diaphragm. Powered by a transformer the diaphragm oscillates at ultrasonic frequencies. When placed in water the oscillation atomises the water to produce an incredibly fine mist. This mist not only increases the humidity of a vivarium but produces a visual effect which is most attractive. If placed higher up inside the vivarium this mist will gently cascade over and throughout internal decoration, resembling the early morning of a tropical landscape, when air warmed by the rising sun meets the cooler night time air of the jungle or forest canopy.

Using Mist Makers.
The mist maker should be placed in a container of water with a depth of approximately 1 1/2 inches (4cm) of water covering the flat surface of the unit. Do not submerse deeper or the unit will not work. Make sure that, although not too deep, the container or reservoir has a reasonable volume of water, as when in use, the mist maker will use up approximately 80 millilitres of water during every hour of continuous operation. If water level drops below the crossbeam sensor that is raised above the unit, then it will cease operation until more water is added. A lead from the mist maker extends and connects to a transformer that plugs into a conventional 3 pin electrical socket. Note, the transformer must not be positioned inside the vivarium and must be kept dry at all times. A light emitting diode on top of the mist maker indicates that it is receiving power and should be operational. It is essential to change the water in the reservoir frequently, as if it becomes polluted with reptile faeces or substrate material, the operating life of the ceramic diaphragm will be greatly reduced. The mist maker will produce large amounts of mist and to avoid making the vivarium over humid, it is advisable to connect the transformer to a timer. Some experimentation will be required to set the timer for the correct periods of mister operation to ensure optimum results. Do not operate the unit for long periods of continuous use.

Maintaining Mist Makers.
Always switch off at mains supply and disconnect mist maker from transformer prior to attempting any maintenance. Regularly clean the outside of the unit with a soft cloth in clean water. Never use any abrasive cleaners or detergents. Over a period, the amount of mist produced will decrease or even cease altogether. This is an indication that the ceramic diaphragm has become clogged and needs to be replaced. In the first instance, in case a surface contamination has developed (sometimes a bacterial or algal deposit can impair performance) clean the ceramic with a soft cloth. Replace and try again. If there is still no mist output a new ceramic is required. A tool is provided with the original kit with which to disassemble the unit. Follow manufacturers instructions for replacing the ceramic, which is available as a spare.

Used correctly, mist makers can positively enhance the environment for those reptiles in need of consistently high humidity whilst also adding yet another visual aspect to the decorated vivarium.