Maintaining appropriate humidity levels in your pet reptile’s habitat is crucial for their comfort and well-being. Improper levels can result in a host of issues, such as skin and shell disorders, shedding issues, and respiratory problems.
When it comes to keeping a pet reptile’s environment humid, even a simple spray bottle can do the job. The downside, however, is that you will have to do that job by hand. Additionally, you will need to spray the enclosure several times a day, which can quickly become monotonous. Moreover, your pet will suffer when you are not at home.
The most effective solution to this problem is using a misting system. This is a device that can be set to keep humidity levels inside a reptile’s enclosure at an optimum. Before you purchase one, it is crucial to confirm that the system has proven itself capable of the job.
After checking out the many misting systems on the market today, we have come up with this list of what we believe to be the seven best misting systems for reptiles. Check out these reviews to find the ideal misting system for you and your pet’s needs.
Even though it comes with one nozzle, its design allows you to fit up to 10 nozzles, which means that the system can comfortably regulate humidity levels in huge habitats or multiple enclosures.
The 22251 features one of the most advanced controllers in the mister industry. Known as the ST-24, this controller can be programmed to meet the specific requirements of 10 separate events. You can set an event to run for hours, days, or weeks. Additionally, you can specify the duration of sprays during that particular event, ranging from seconds to hours.
The ST-24 controller also features a built-in battery to ensure that it keeps functioning even during a power outage.
The only issue you might have with this misting system is that it requires you to do DIY work on your habitat. For example, you will need to customize a bucket to serve as this system’s water reservoir. Nonetheless, it should not be too much to handle.
The numerous features, advanced controller, and reliability that the MistKing 22251 provides is why we have this misting system as our top pick.
Pros
Advanced controller
More freedom and control over functions
Numerous nozzles
High-quality
Cons
Requires DIY work to install
2. Zoo Med Reptirain Automatic Habitat Mister — Best Value
The Reptirain Automatic Habitat Mister by Zoo Med is a good option for those with budget constraints. It is a programmable misting system that has three misting nozzles, with one fixed to the central unit, while the other two are connected to the mister’s tubing. This feature allows you to mist larger or multiple enclosures.
The Reptirain can run on both AC and DC power, which means you can either plug it into a wall outlet or use batteries to power it. The ability to switch between AC and DC power can be a lifesaver, especially during periods of prolonged power outage, since the machine will now run on battery power.
Nonetheless, the most convenient way of powering the system is via AC (plugging into a wall outlet).
The Reptirain allows you to program the spray intervals, as well as their durations. You can set the machine to release mist after everyone, three, six, or 12 hours. For the spray durations, you can program it to mist the enclosure for 15, 30, 45, or 60 seconds at a time.
This ensures that you can set a misting program that meets the humidity requirements of your pet reptile perfectly. The Reptirain comes with hooks and suction cups to make installation a breeze, regardless of the type of enclosure.
However, the issue with this misting system is that you can never be sure about the quality of the product you receive.
Nonetheless, the Reptirain is one of the best reptile misting systems for the money.
The Repti Fogger by Zoo Med is a type of misting system that utilizes ultrasonic technology to spray a fine mist in the enclosure. The Repti Fogger uses a single collapsible hose for that purpose. The tube is expandable to allow you to contort it to suit a wide range of positions.
The Repti Fogger’s stand-out feature, however, is its ultrasonic transducer. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that break down water into an extremely fine mist. In addition to being more effective at increasing humidity levels, fine mist reduces the occurrence of water pooling on the floor of the terrarium. It also adds ambiance to the enclosure.
The Repti Fogger gives you the freedom to leave at a low setting all day for an even and steady humidity level or to turn it up to the maximum level for a heavy dose. This feature makes the Repti Fogger ideal for a wide variety of reptile species, as well as environmental conditions. It is also ideal for areas with dry climates.
As you can imagine, the Repti Fogger’s exclusive features make it one of the higher-priced misting systems on the market today. Nonetheless, it is a good option for those looking for a premium misting system.
Pros
Ultrasonic technology for fine mist
Greater control over humidity levels
Creates ambiance
Does not result in water pooling
Cons
Pricey
4. Exo Terra Monsoon Solo High-Pressure Misting System
The Monsoon Solo by Exo Terra is a programmable high-pressure misting system that is effective at maintaining optimal humidity levels and allows you a great deal of control.
For starters, it comes with several misting nozzles and allows customization. While the base model has two nozzles, you can fit up to six nozzles to the machine, which makes it the ideal misting system for multiple or larger enclosures.
The Exo Terra Monsoon has a feature that allows you to set the duration of the spray. You can program the machine to spray a fine mist for a duration of between two seconds and two minutes.
Reptiles have varying humidity requirements, with species such as chameleons being more comfortable with lower levels of humidity. For such species, therefore, a shorter spray duration would be more appropriate. The freedom to choose the intensity of humidity levels that the Exo Terra Monsoon gives you makes it an ideal misting system for most reptile keepers.
Another great thing about this misting system is that it can perform its job while being out of sight. This is because it comes with long flexible tubing that you can snake into the reptile’s habitat, while the reservoir is tucked away somewhere else. This helps you keep the enclosure and its surroundings nice and orderly.
Installing and using the Exo Terra Monsoon is also quite easy, which makes it one of the most beginner-friendly misting systems out there.
An issue you might have with the Exo Terra Monsoon, however, is its relatively small reservoir. If you mist often and for longer durations, the water inside the tank will run out fast, and this can be an issue when you are not in the house to refill it.
The 22252 by MistKing is an extremely powerful high-quality misting system. The base model comes with one nozzle; however, its design allows you to fix up to 20 nozzles at a time. As such, it is ideal for large or multiple enclosures. The 22252 is commonly used in large botanical gardens and zoos due to its power and reliability.
This misting system comes with the ST-24 controller, which is arguably the most advanced controller in the market. This is because this controller allows you to program it for up to 10 separate events at the same time, thus ensuring that you do not have to enter new instructions every time you want to change an event.
It also comes with a battery to ensure that the machine keeps working even during a power outage, thereby making sure that your pet is always comfortable.
Setting up the 22252 is straightforward, as it comes with a detailed reference manual.
Pros
Powerful
Suitable for large enclosures
Advanced controller
Built-in battery
Cons
Takes time to set up
6. Coospider Reptile Fogger Terrariums Humidifier Fog Machine Mister
The Reptile Terrariums fogger by Coospider is a high-quality mister that comes with a three-liter water reservoir. This means that once you fill it up, you can expect it to serve you for a long time. It also comes at a fair price point, making it a good option for people on a budget.
This mister, however, is not automated, which means that you might not be able to set spray times and durations. Fortunately, you have the option of installing an external device that powers the machine at set times.
This mister makes up for that shortcoming with a feature that allows you to adjust the fog output rate, thereby giving you more control over humidity levels in the terrarium. It is also quiet during operation, unlike most misting systems with a constant hum that can be irritating.
This fogger comes with expandable tubing to allow you to adjust it to the needs of your enclosure. It also features an alert system that lights up when water levels are running low in the reservoir, thus letting you know when you need to refill it.
This mister fogger by BaoGuai is an efficient and straightforward misting system that is worth checking out, especially if you are on a budget.
For starters, it is silent during operation, which means that you will not have to bear with the irritating background hum that misters are infamous for. It comes with tubing that can be up to 4 feet long, as well as two suction cups for easy and straightforward installation.
This mister fogger, however, is not automatic, which means that you will have to control the spray durations and intervals yourself. Nonetheless, it has been found that leaving the mister on a low setting can adequately meet humidity requirements for up to 12 hours straight.
This misting system comes with a relatively large 2.5-liter water tank. Additionally, it is equipped with a failsafe that stops the machine automatically when it runs out of water.
Despite the lack of automation, this reptile mister fogger by BaoGuai still does a good job of maintaining optimal humidity levels inside an enclosure. As such, it is a good option for people looking for an affordable and convenient misting system who do not mind playing a role in the machine’s functionality.
Pros
Silent
Affordable
Easy installation
Failsafe feature
Cons
Not automated
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Reptile Misting System
The following are important factors to consider when looking for your ideal misting system.
Size of Water Reservoir
If a mister comes with a tiny tank, you may want to use a manual spray gun because you will have to keep refilling the tank.
For your convenience, opt for misters with tanks that have a capacity of at least 2 liters. If you are looking to mist several enclosures or you have a large terrarium, look for misting systems with even bigger tanks.
Alternatively, you can consider customizing your own tank and fitting it to the mister.
Length of Outlet Pipe
Fortunately, most misters come with outlet pipes that are several feet long, thereby making them convenient for misting large enclosures. However, do not assume that that is the case with all systems. It is crucial that you check out the length of a mister’s pipes before purchasing the machine.
Image: Amazon
Cut-Off Feature
Since the mister will eventually run out of water, you must look for a misting system that shuts down automatically once that happens. Misters that keep going even after running out of water are usually at serious risk of self-damage.
Misting systems help you provide your pet reptile with the humid conditions that it needs to thrive. Nonetheless, these systems differ widely in capabilities and quality. Therefore, do your homework researching a misting system before purchasing it to ensure that you find one that can serve you well.
This means checking out the numerous brands on the market and pitting them against each other. While you’re at it, consider checking out the 22251 Starter Misting System by MistKing, as it is the most well-equipped mister on the market today. If you are on a budget, consider the Reptirain Automatic Habitat Mister by Zoo Med, as it is an affordable, handy machine.
Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types.
