Note: The following is the beginning to a series of posts I will be adding to as I install the new Mist King misting system I was so lucky to win here on the forum.

Since I do not have a tank in place and do not want to change the current system on my Dendrobates leucomelas viv, it will take some time to actually complete this project.
Feel free to post comments and questions




Mist King Installation and Evaluation
The following will provide you with simple step by step instructions for installing a Mist King© Basic misting system.
By Don Lisk April 9th, 2011



Overview

  • The Mist King Basic system is intended to provide you with a reliable and expandable misting system.
  • Basic unit will run one vivarium with multiple misting options including frequency and duration of mist.
  • Additional nozzles, ball check valves, and so on can be added to the basic system to operate on many tanks at one time.


Box Includes

  • Diaphragm pump with a 24V DC adapter
  • 1/4" connectors on the pump
  • 1 Value misting nozzles
  • Reservoir bulkhead with o-ring and plug
  • 15 feet of 1/4" black opaque tubing
  • Digital Seconds Timer with instructions

*reference: MistKing Misting Systems by Jungle Hobbies Ltd





  • Packaging is a basic brown cardboard box that is well packed and ships with little chance of travel damage.
  • It is recommended to inventory all pieces prior to beginning installation.
  • No instructions are included and customer is referred to the Mist King website for PDF instructions.




Needed Materials

  • Power Drill
  • 3/4 Inch Spade Drill Bit or Equivalent
  • Adjustable Wrench
  • Container - IE: Bucket
  • Water

Container Selection


  • For this installation I selected a basic 5 gallon bucket.
  • Not the most aesthetically pleasing, but the container can be hidden in a cabinet or set into something more eye pleasing; such as a wicker laundry basket, wooden box, or placed behind something such as a plant.



Step One – Bulkhead Coupling

  • The bulkhead coupling is a small link that allows the water to flow through the side of the bucket.
  • Installation should be one inch above the bottom of the bucket.
  • Lower installation has greater chance of allowing debris to get to the pump if something falls into the container.





  • At this point you will drill a ¾ inch hole into the container with the spade drill bit. Standard bits can also be used.
  • Ensure o-ring is installed on the coupling and put it into the hole from inside the container.




  • Once it initially goes in, you will have to screw it through the hole until the o-ring meets the container side. This does take some force. I had to enlarge the hole slightly by spinning a knife blade lightly around the hole a few times.
  • Next place the coupling nut on the coupling from the outside of the container and tighten it.
  • Only tighten it to the point where you see the o-ring on the inside of the container compress slightly.
  • Now turn the coupling nut slightly tighter but don't over-tighten or completely crush the o-ring.




Next we must test the seal.


Coupling Seal Testing

  • To test the seal of the new coupling you have installed, you will need to have some ¼ inch hose on hand. I cut one six inch piece from the supplied hose for testing.
  • Insert the hose into the coupling on the outside of the container.
  • Push it in firmly until it stops.
  • Tape the non-connected end of the hose to the container above the coupling.
  • Add water to just above the coupling and allow to sit for 30 minutes.
  • If the coupling leaks, tighten the coupling nut a little more.
  • If the coupling continues to leak, drain bucket and loosen the coupling. Reinstall it ensuring the o-ring is seated on the coupling correctly and test again.




Conclusion – Step One

  • Fairly simple to complete
  • If you oversize the hole, either the container needs to be replaced, or you will have to silicone the coupling in and test after the silicone dries.
  • Approximate time to complete was 40 minutes including the 30 minutes of testing.



References:
Mist King Bulkhead Coupling Installation Manual
Mist King Website MistKing Misting Systems by Jungle Hobbies Ltd