Lux versus footcandle

[Dorothy]

Yeah Ross .. see what you've done!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Darn-it Ross! Now I want one of these and I don't think no is an option now that I showed my other half and he is picturing my orchids in it downstairs in the basement as I type....lol. It may be time for the credit card to come out of hiding! To think I wouldn't have to worry about light, temp, and humidity ever again other then to monitor it and make adjustments! See what you started!

I don't have one myself (I may by winter) but I have heard great reviews. Surprised others haven't chirped in here on there's. You can't go wrong (so I have heard).

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Dorothy

Yeah Ross .. see what you've done!

Dot, you're killin' me

[Dorothy]

[Lin]

OK, my 2 cents.

We bought one this past winter (the Maui with three lamps) and I absolutely love it!!! It obviously ups the humidity, but because it is enclosed also raises the temp.

I keep it in our finished basement (family room) that we only use in the evening. We keep the room at a lower temp the rest of the time, but because the orchids are protected they are fine.

The increased root growth was the first thing I noticed (within days) and they've been growing gang busters ever since. You can adjust temp and humidity by use of vents so it is adaptable for whatever you wish to grow. You cannot believe the difference it makes in mounted orchids because of the increased humidity.

I like it so much that I am considering another Maui (w/2 lamps) in the future.

On top of everything else, they were great to deal with.

go for it

[Becca]

Thanks Lin! I was going to see if anyone else knew of something similar to the orchidariums out on the market that aren't so expensive, but I am sure they wouldn't come with all the cool vents to control temp 'n humidity and such. I am looking into the Grand Caymen or the Azore....I always like the expensive one's for some reason. Lin, do you have pictures of yours posted?

[quiltergal]

Well thanks a lot you guys! Now I want one too. The only thing saving me is I don't have space for one.

[Dorothy]

If you want to do it .. some what DIY .. check out this site for glass and acrylic enclosures.
Glasscages.com - Glass Terrariums
They also have sliding fronts (check the menu to the left)
You would have to provide lights, misters, gauges ( thermometer, hygrometer etc) I am not sure if in the long run if it would be any less expensive but but you can get just about any size you'd like. They also sell some beautiful canopies and bases.
Just something else to consider and over

[Becca]

Thank Dorothy! I'll take a look at that website! I think you are right, in the long run I think it would be much less of a headache to try and round up all of the parts to put together something like what the orchidariums are. Much easier for beginners like me!

[Ross]

That's what I was gonna say Becca. Much easier. I went the other way (custom) and have never regretted it. I believe it cost about the same as the Azores. But I added super bright t5 lights, automatic misting, etc. The Azores or Grand Caymon would be a much better choice for a) someone not wanting to do all the design and testing, b) someone who wanted a really great-looking tank, and c) someone wanting to grow a mix of genera - not just mounted wet-growing types. That's why I am looking at a commercial unit to supplement mine.

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