Heating/Humidity Orchid House Help - Orchid Board

RandiRae · #1 02-07-2010, 07:03 PM

Well, I bought a 75 gallon aquarium with lid and base last year to house my orchids (under lights due to poor window options). The orchids seemed to like their new place this past spring/summer/fall. However, this winter I've noticed how cold the aquarium remains. The fluorescent lights do not put off much heat. The tank averages 54 degrees...with low humidity too. I can't afford to turn up the heat in my loft. I went to the Orchid Quest (Madison, WI) and was told heating mats may help raise the temps. Do they mats go inside the tank? If not, it will be quite a challenge to lift up a 75 gallon tank to place them underneath. Any other suggestions? Also, the bottom of the tank has a layer of wet perlite to help increase the humidity. This doesn't really seem to help and actually is a pain to clean the mold off of (with a 75 gallon high aquarium, I can't reach the bottom...I result to tongs/hand shovels). I have quite a challenge on my hands, my large aquarium investment doesn't appear to be paying off.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 02-07-2010, 07:24 PM

I highly doubt the heating pads go inside the tank.

I believe they're the same kind of heating pad that is used for bottom heating reptile vivariums.

How is the tank covered? Is it covered at all? If it isn't covered the humidity will not stay high. It's probably better to use a few little fans for circulation.

Also, what kind of orchids are in the tank? Some orchids are more tolerant of lower humidity levels, others are not.

There is also a terrarium section here on the OB, you might get much better answers there to your questions there. You might also get some inspiration or ideas to help you out further.

cabbo · #3 02-07-2010, 07:28 PM

Love to see it, can you post pictures? How about adding a regular incandesant bulb(s) for heat?

Ray · #4 02-08-2010, 10:39 AM

I hate to disagree with "King", but the heating pads I use and carry are UL approved for wet environments - I put pots right on them and don't hesitate to water at all. In fact, when I use the ones that fit inside of a nursery tray, I'll often have standing water left over that I don't bother to dump (It evaporates in a day or two).

I don't know why you would be getting mold in the perlite - algae maybe - but if you add a small amount (1/4 tsp/gal) of Physan to the water used to keep the perlite moist, you probably won't have any issues.

RandiRae · #5 02-08-2010, 02:54 PM

Thanks. I've done a lot of researching on the pads, most are marketed for seedlings. I gues I'll try these out - I have no room for more bulbs. My tank is covered (wood aquarium canopy) but definitely not air tight. I have a fan that runs during the day (muffin fan) and that helps to move the air.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 02-08-2010, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

I hate to disagree with "King", but the heating pads I use and carry are UL approved for wet environments - I put pots right on them and don't hesitate to water at all. In fact, when I use the ones that fit inside of a nursery tray, I'll often have standing water left over that I don't bother to dump (It evaporates in a day or two).

It doesn't matter.

If you disagree it's fine.

I'm not aware of all the technological advancements in whatever hobbies there are.

If there's one that can be fitted in a wet environment, then there's one that does. No harm, no foul.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

I don't know why you would be getting mold in the perlite - algae maybe - but if you add a small amount (1/4 tsp/gal) of Physan to the water used to keep the perlite moist, you probably won't have any issues.

I think you're right, I think it's algae as well. Algae on perlite is pretty common. I'm not sure if algae growing on your perlite should be a cause for concern though, RandiRae.