Dripper vs Misting system - Pros and cons

rmichaelk

New Member
Hi Folks,
Ok, so I read that leaving a dripper on all day long is not a good choice and thought that automatic misting systems is the way to go. But looks like many of you out here use the dripper than an automatic misting system.

So I was wondering if experienced keepers can tell me how to use a dripper without running into any issues as well as the pros and cons of both the methods of watering.

Also, in an all screen aluminim frame cage how do you setup a collection tray for water that drips from the dripper?

Do you have the collection tray setup to cover the entire bottom of the cage? If yes then is the plant pot sitting on the collection tray?

Thanks for your feedback.
Michael
 
Drill holes in the bottom and have a pan underneath to catch the water. You can usually use a dripper all day with no problems as long as you don't have standing water. Even using a dripper for a few hours a day is better than none. You can also use a misting system if you feel that the humidity/Cham need a boost during the day. However, once you see a Cham guzzle water from a dripper tube/pipet/syrige you'll wonder how they ever got enough water from the leaves before...
 
I use both. I have a mist system that goes off a few times my Ernie thinks its a private shower :rolleyes: lol

Drill holes in the bottom and have a pan underneath to catch the water.

This works great so you don't have to dry the bottom out a bunch of times. :) I just let the dripper bottle drip into a plant and the water drains out of the bottom.
 
both

I have fog generation from ultrasonic humidifiers, piped ghetto-syle into each cage, and then a one gallon dripper for actual water for drinking.

I usually mist the enclosures by hand in the morning. Then I start the drippers.
A concrete mixing bin is the catch tray under each cage for all the water. I empty these every morning too.

Montane species need crazy amounts of water and great humidity to thrive.
 
Place a 32 oz. deli cup with a piece of paper towel on the bottom inside of it. Put a wide hole plastic mesh ontop of the cup. have the dripper's drips aimed at the cup.

always have a steady perch right under the hose. depending on size of your cham, the hose should be close to an inch higher than his height ( not standing ;))

the dripper should be in the same spot, having your little man used to a routine is the way to go.

mistking systems are great but not nec. in my opinion unless you have a lot of chameleons or have no time to do the dripper excercise twice a day.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys.

Brian, I assume that the mesh on the cup is to prevent drowning of the chameleon. So the tub from the dripper won't be over any leaves or vines? They will be positioned out in the open so the cham can lick the end of the tube?

Do you use filtered water in the dripper or regular tap water?

Michael
 
I use either or. It depends on if I'm in a hurry or not. But I prefer filtered water :D I won't use tap water for misting though... Not anymore at least
 
Yes, the mesh is to prevent them from going inside the delip cup. Chameleons are curious little creatures, and if it's in their territory, who knows what they'll do! hehe

The dripper's tub should be ontop of the light fixture. In the hot spot is where I keep mine. If you don't use a day light bulb, you should still keep it ontop of the fixture. The hose that comes with Zoo Med's Big drip system is flexible. You can easily have it bend and fit thru a hole that you cut thru the top of the screen.

The chameleon will get the hang of it and recognize the hose is a water source. It'll either lick lick lick, or even put it's mouth around it. Mine normally do both. :)

To save money, buy a few buckets. Fill them up with tap water. Let them be for 24+ hours and then you can use them for water.

Quicker way is boiling tap water for 20 minutes, then letting it cool.

An even quicker way is buying water lol. But who wants to waste money like that!

It takes a good amount of drip and drops before a chameleon goes for the water. Sometimes it can take a recycle! Other times, no more than 45 seconds! All depends on your cham's needs at the moment.

Note: The water that goes in the drip system's tub should be luke warm. Warm to us is hot to them. So, luke warm is ideal.

When misting their plants, I would always use hot water in my misters. Misting hot water out of a sprayer takes only 4-5 inches for the water to cool off. Cool how things work that way huh? So if you decide to get a misting system, I would buy an aquarium heater and set the temperature at 90 degrees. The water that comes out of the knozzles is MUCH cooler than 90 degrees!
 
So do you take the water that has been sitting for 24 hours and warm it before using it in the dripper?

How about the warm water for the misting? Same technique?

Is it the chlorine in the tap water that is harmful to the chameleons or is there something more to it?

Michael
 
Thanks for the feedback guys.

Brian, I assume that the mesh on the cup is to prevent drowning of the chameleon. So the tub from the dripper won't be over any leaves or vines? They will be positioned out in the open so the cham can lick the end of the tube?

Do you use filtered water in the dripper or regular tap water?

Michael

This was copied from Melleri Discovery, does anyone know if it is benefical or necessary? AmQuel is for aquariums I think, correct me if I'm wrong.

"Reptisafe, AmQuel Water detoxifiers, both of these brand names are safe for use on chameleons."
 
ReptiSafe:
Removes Chloramines and Chlorine Detoxifies Nitrites Removes toxic Ammonia Provides essential ions and electrolytes Helps in hydrating new animals Stimulates slime coat development providing a natural protective barrier for all types of amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders, newts, etc.) Reduces pH (very important) ReptiSafe is the only terrarium water conditioner on the market. For reptile bowls, chameleon drip water systems, or aquatic turtle tanks. No harsh chemicals (that you can't pronounce) used. Unique organic colloid and organic chelating agent delivery system. Very safe.

Whata ya think, good?
 
Hi Folks,
Ok, so I read that leaving a dripper on all day long is not a good choice

I cant imagine why using a dripper all day wouldnt be a good choice. On the contrary, I think this is a perfect choice. Provides constant access to clean water when desired, low tech and not reliant on electricity, inexpensive....

How to make a dripper: https://www.chameleonforums.com/drippers-19143/#post177210

I use tap water. No additives or chemicals to "clean" it necessary. but where I live the water quality is high/good

check the links at the end of this blog entry and you'll find lots of information regarding water, misting, drippers, and Drainage:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/92-hydration-importance-water.html
 
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