This review is about Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO, a misting system that is suitable for all types of terrariums. This programmable system helps to maintain the humidity your reptile needs by generating a mist that is released at programmed intervals. This misting system puts you in control when it comes to duration and frequency of the mist.
The frequent misting can assist with breeding behaviors and assist with shedding while ensuring reptiles that naturally come from a humid climate, remain healthy and happy.
Pros
- Misting unit that can be used in terrariums and greenhouses
- Easy connection and installation
- Flexible spray nozzle enables you to direct misting
- Can accommodate up to two flexible spray nozzles
- Easy to refill without having to uninstall and reinstall again
- Perfect for short vacations
Cons
- Performance drops with each new spray nozzle introduced
- Water reservoir could be bigger
Design and Features
Exo Terra offers three products in the Monsoon series. These misting systems include the Monsoon SOLO, Monsoon Multi, and the Monsoon RS400.
Exo Terra Monsoon Multi
The Exo Terra Monsoon Multi is also a programmable misting system that helps to ensure you maintain optimum humidity by releasing a fine mist over a period of time for a certain duration. The Multi introduces a larger 2 gallon / 8 liter reservoir which ensures continuous operation without the need for constant refilling.
Exo Terra Monsoon RS400 Rainfall System
This Exo Terra Monsoon RS400 is a high-pressure misting system and the largest of the three misting systems offered by Exo Terra. This is also a programmable system that can be used in all terrariums and greenhouses that holds up to 2.5 gallons / 9.5 liters of water in the large reservoir, which is released at programmed times for a chosen duration, which can range from two seconds to two minutes. This system has two nozzles and can be extended to six spray nozzles, ideal for multiple terrariums.
Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO
The Exo Terra Monsson SOLO, on which this review is based, is a programmable misting system that operates on a 24h cycle and spray durations of anywhere from every two seconds to two minutes. The reservoir is 0.4 gallon / 1.5 liter, ensuring smooth and seamless operation for several days. Refill the reservoir without having to uninstall and reinstall the entire system.
The Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO comes with one nozzle, but it can accommodate up to two nozzles, which can be purchased separately. You can use the Monsoon SOLO for up to two terrariums. Long tubing enables you to store your Monsoon SOLO under the cabinet or out of sight.
The Exo Terra Monsoon Solo is the smaller of the systems, perfect for a single terrarium which is regularly monitored. This misting system lasts several days without needing to be refilled, enabling you to go away for a few days knowing your reptile will have the humidity it needs to thrive.
Unique Design Features
This neat and stylish misting system offers a choice of duration times, so you can determine how much mist you want to release. You remain in control and are able to choose your duration based on humidity requirements.
Duration time for the Monsoon SOLO is:
- 2 seconds
- 4 seconds
- 8 seconds
- 12 seconds
- 16 seconds
- 20 seconds
- 30 seconds
- 60 seconds
- 120 seconds
In addition to the duration, you also choose how often you want your mist released. You can select from:
- 1 hour
- 2 hours
- 4 hours
- 8 hours
- 12 hours
- 16 hours
- 20 hours
- 24 hours
The tubing provided will fit into the closable inlets provided on all Exo Terra terrariums. The long tubing will need to be cut based on your length requirements.
The water reservoir in the Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO is 0.4 gallon or 1.5 liter and won’t need refilling for a few days.
The size of the Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO is 5.5” x 5.5” x 6.7” or 14cm x 14cm x 17cm. It’s small and compact, easy to put out of sight while ensuring your reptile receives the humidity levels it requires.
Accessories and Parts
The system is a complete system that offers everything you need for one terrarium. There are some parts and accessories you may want to include in your purchase, helping you add another terrarium.
Exo Terra Monsoon Nozzles Extension Kit
The Exo Terra Monsoon Nozzles Extension Kit is designed as a part of the Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO misting system. The extension kit reduces the need to disturb the terrarium and is quick and easy to install. The extension kit is easy to store and use.
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
The Exo Terra digital hygrometer is an essential addition to your humid enclosure. The hygrometer is designed with a remote sensor to help you accurately measure humidity. This durable sensor is held in place with a suction cup. The digital hygrometer also offers a programmable minimum and maximum memory setting.
How to Install
Installation of the Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO is quick and easy. Simply follow the steps to ensure seamless installation:
- Clean the reservoir where the water will be stored and wash through the tubing to remove debris
- Add water to the reservoir – only use RO or distilled water that doesn’t contain calcium, helping to reduce the risk of calcium deposits
- Place the lid on the reservoir
- Tubing has three ends – two for nozzles and one for the top unit
- Insert the tube into the top unit
- Insert spray nozzle into the other end and using suction cup place inside the terrarium
- Cut excess tubing to ensure optimum performance
- Use the 2 extra cup hooks to take the tension off the tubing, this can be at the back of the terrarium
- Open the open/close valve and add the rest of the water, this will help the system prime itself
- Insert the power cord into the back of the unit and wall and turn on
- The system will start making a noise as it starts priming, ridding itself of air
- A fine mist should come out of the nozzle.
- Set to automatically on
- Select the cycle which ranges from one to twenty four hours
- Set duration, which is every two to one hundred and twenty seconds
Safety and Usage
When working with the system, whether it’s cleaning it or installing it for the first time, ensure the power is turned off and unplugged for added safety.
The programmable system is quick and easy to set up with a simple push of a button, you can set duration and intervals by making your selection on the top unit.
The 0.4 gallon, 1.5 liter reservoir is enough for a short vacation, but it will require monitoring as one of the concerns of present owners is that the reservoir could be a little bigger.
Maintenance
Misting nozzles can get dirty and will need to be cleaned to ensure you continue to achieve maximum output. Simply soak the dirty nozzles in hot water. The unit can simply be rinsed and wiped out to ensure there is no algae growth.
Is The Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO Good Value?
Overall, this misting system is excellent value for a single terrarium. It offers you a twenty four hour cycle with a range of misting durations to ensure you can provide the best humidity levels for your reptile without having to physically mist the tank each day. Whether you are looking for a daily misting solution while you are at work or you want to go away for a long weekend and want to ensure your reptile remains happy and healthy, you will find the Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO offers good value for money.
Who is the Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO Suitable for?
This misting system is ideal for the reptile owner that only has one or two terrariums that require high humidity.
This misting system is suitable for all reptiles that enjoy high humidity levels, including:
- Blue-tongued skink
- Crested Gecko
- Chinese water dragon
- Monitor Lizard
- African fat-tailed gecko
- Iguana
- Chameleon
- Anole
Summary
Overall, the Exo Terra Monsoon SOLO is ideal for beginners and breeders who want to maintain good humidity levels to ensure that their reptiles are happy and healthy.