tropic aire humidifier

beka · Post by **beka** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:08 am

id love any and all tips or insight into this contraption. i received mine a couple of weeks ago and i am still not having the results that i need and that i should have based upon user reviews.i bought a larger pump (for 40gal+) as to give it the umph it needs to push the water up through the tube.what i am seeing is that it goes into the reservoir initially but then it not pushing the water through the outgoing flexible tube and into the ridged fixed tube that is attached inside of the tank.ideas?

beka · Post by **beka** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:17 am

ok ok ok....so i just blew removed the tube from the pump and blew through it and it pushed the water though....but, it made water come out of the holes on the ridged tube and run down the glass. since this specifically states it is not a mister or fogger i dont think any water is actually supposed to come out does it take a while to notice the initial affect of the humidifier?

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 3:29 am

I have not had any experience with one, but what I would do is contact the company that made it (there should be a # to call with questions). It is quite possible that you got one that isn't working properly or your setting something up just a hair off that needs to be changed. Either way they should be able to help you figure out if its you or the item and tell you how to replace/return it (if its the item you might be able to exchange at the store purchased).

Post by **JediMasterThrash** » Tue Oct 01, 2013 2:23 pm

Hello, I think you are using it backwards. The tropicaire humidifier is NOT supposed to push water out the tube, it is only supposed to push very humid air out the tube.The air pump connects to the long tube that goes all the way to the bottom. You must buy an air stone (if it didn't come with one, they are only like 68 cents at the pet store or walmart) and attach it to the long tube which is underwater.The air pump blows air down into the air stone which causes tons of bubbles underwater which makes very humid air at the top. The large sponge also helps to keep the air very humid.The humid air then escapes out the hole in the top which is not under water. Connect the tube into the tank from this top hole. Place the air line into a lower back area of the tank away from any lid openings, to help do the most air circulation.If your air pump has two valves on it, you must connect both together using a T-joint. Depending on how the air pump is constructed, if one valve is open, all the air will go out the open one.

beka · Post by **beka** » Wed Oct 02, 2013 3:35 am

wow, jmt, to say your explanation of set up was a breeze would be an understatement!i dont usually have much problem following instructions but the ones that came with it were tricky and i found myself going over them for two days!i did, in fact, have the ingoing and outgoing tubes switched. i knew it wasn't supposed to blow out water but i had never seen it operate so i was confused. now, it works like a charm and i can't wait to see how the crabs like the boost.thanks again!beka

Post by **JediMasterThrash** » Sat Oct 05, 2013 2:06 pm

I usually test the functionality of my humidifier by holding a plastic baggie (sandwich bag or soemthing) tight around the end hose and watch the bag expand with air. The bag should expand rather quickly, and not feel like you're waiting for it to fill up.If it's not filling quickly, it's usually just an old airstone and needs to be replaced. The cheaper or smaller ones usually don't have as much or long-lasting airflow.2nd check is just in the hoses, making sure every connection is secure.

Tetra4CClyPtus · Post by **Tetra4CClyPtus** » Mon Oct 14, 2013 1:08 am

I dont use an air stone in my crabs humidifier. I figure that more air comes out without it. And the tube from the air pump to the canister , I put a check valve, so when I replace tubing, the water from the canister don't syphon back out! I made a T tube that I modified to be a double bubbler/ humidifierI have a tube pincher I pinch at night for bubbler, then release it during the day. Crazy contraption I made

Post by **JediMasterThrash** » Tue Oct 22, 2013 1:02 pm

Yes, definitely have a check valve (backflow preventor) in line between the pump and the humidifier, regardless of how it's all hooked up.The check valve also helps reduce noise slightly (same effect as a car muffler)