Top 10... or 11 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Ultrasonic Foggers
Ultrasonic foggers are powerful devices for creating fine mist humidification in homes, greenhouses, terrariums, grow rooms, and special effects. To keep your House of Hydro water fogger running safely and efficiently, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Using Hard Tap Water or Water With High Mineral Content
Mist makers can run in virtually any water type... BUT hard water with a high TDS (total dissolved solids) can cause mineral buildup, reducing performance and even lifespan. Using RO water or soft tap water can reduce the need for cleaning and improve output. Distilled water should also be avoided if possible. Wist makers' water sensors rely on dissolved solids to activate the sensor. Distilled water (0 PPM) can cause erratic operation and stress the fogger. It can be used, but if possible, some solids are recommended. 15ppm is roughly the amount it takes to create a good connection with the sensor. High TDS water is also acceptable, but requires more frequent cleaning of ultrasonic discs. Excess minerals can also create white calcium dust on surfaces.
2. Running the Fogger Dry
Never operate your fogger without adequate water in the reservoir. The water acts as a cooling agent for the transducer, and overheating (> 115°F) can damage internal components or accelerate disc wear. Always keep water above the minimum level, and do not rely on built-in water sensors to remind you to refill your reservoir. For large units, use at least a 20-gallon container; for 1, 3, or 5-disc models, a minimum 5-gallon bucket is recommended. If using a 5 gallon bucket for a 5 disc unit, make sure it stays at least half full at all times unless your run times are short. Avoid exceeding 115°F (46°C); high temperatures rapidly wear out ceramic discs.
3. Adding Bleach or Slimy Additives
Never use bleach or additives that leave a film, as these will immediately foul and ruin the ultrasonic discs. For sterilization, opt for vinegar for cleaning discs and solids buildup on the fogger and hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, or our waterproof UV light for water reservoirs.
4. Overrunning Your Mist Maker
Fogging transducers have internal cooling tubes that need periodic downtime. Limit operation to 8 hours of continuous operation, then 1 hour off—especially for 9 and 12-disc models. Smaller units (1, 3, 5 discs) may handle longer cycles but should always have plenty of water to stay cool. Using a humidistat or timer to limit runtimes is ok. For example, 1 hour on with a 15-minute break.
5. Getting Water in the Spring Area During Disc Changes
During disc replacement or maintenance, never get liquid in the internal spring area under the ceramic discs. Always dry the device thoroughly before removing the discs for maintenance. Before long-term storage, it's best to remove the discs and dry the spring area with a hair dryer (if available) and then reinstall the discs for storage. Trapped moisture under the discs can cause failure if left trapped for months in storage.
Note: The black rings around the discs are not o-rings. They are protective covers for the discs during shipment. Please do not use them under the discs upon re-installing. Use the clear o-rings that are already in the transducer.
6. Not Fully Seating the 2-piece Mist Maker Float
If the two-part float isn’t firmly pressed together, your fogger may sit too high and fail to trigger the water sensor. This often happens after dropping the float during maintenance. If your mist maker is not operating properly, the first thing to check is to make sure the inner float ring is fully pressed up inside the float's shell.
7. Lifting the Transducer by the Power Cord or Water Sensor
Never lift the fogger by its cord or water level sensor. This can cause damage. Instead, remove the float from the water and gently flip it over to remove the transducer. The U-shaped sensor on the transducer is NOT a handle. It's delicate, and can be damaged if used like one.
8. Running Multiple large Foggers in the Same Tank
Avoid using more than one large (6-12 disc) fogger in a single reservoir. Electrical interference can prematurely wear discs, especially in larger 12-disc models. This is less of an issue for the smaller (1, 3, 5 disc) versions. You can still run large foggers in the same container, but expect that the discs can wear out prematurely.
9. Misusing the Black Protective Ring from Replacement Discs
The black ring on replacement discs is not an O-ring and should not replace the clear O-rings under the discs. The black ring is just for protection when in the package. Discard the black ring, and ensure the clear O-ring stays in position. When changing discs, be careful that the clear O-ring doesn’t stick to the old disc and get lost.
10. Operating in Extremely Cold Environments
Very cold water temperatures can cause expansion and contraction cycles when the fogger turns on and heats up, then turns off and contracts. This can damage your fogger. For very cold temperature climates, use an aquarium heater in the reservoir to keep water near 90°F (32°C), benefiting both your device and the room environment.
11. Neglecting Disc Cleaning
Dirty discs drastically reduce mist output and may cause the humidistat (if applicable) to overrun the fogger, leading to damage. Regularly wipe down the discs using vinegar and a clean cloth; if performance doesn’t improve, remove and replace them as needed. If you find moisture under the discs, dry the spring area with a hair dryer before installing new discs.
By following these crucial tips, you’ll maximize the efficiency, longevity, and safety of your ultrasonic fogger. Whether for humidity control, special effects, or reptile humidification, proper operation ensures the best results from your House of Hydro fogger every time.