Terrarium growing experiments

[DirtyCoconuts]

Very interesting

Have you checked this meter to be sure it is accurate? Take it outside to see what full afternoon sun and evening shade look like?

[Draikan]

I'm getting 5500 lux outside under clouds, which seems plausible. I wouldn't claim this meter is accurate, I don't think it is calibrated. But for making a comparison between two similar light sources (both white LED) it should be ok.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Cool. I don’t know lux from lumens but I have learned that if I am ever getting unexpected results I first checked the instruments and then the technician (me lol)

[Draikan]

Measurements are hard.

[Draikan]

I FINALLY fixed a wifi disconnection bug that has been nagging for months. I had a potential solution a few months ago, but was just not excited to be working in that part of the project so I kept putting it off.

Until now I had to manually reset every week or so to get it reconnected, which was not great for something that was supposed to increase reliability and reduce maintenance.

The controller is now able to reconnect to the network after any router hiccups, internet outages, or power outages. It should be able to go for months without any attention to the electronics.

I'm waiting on delivery of a black wire rack before upgrading the controlled test tank to one of the big plastic wrapped tanks.

[DirtyCoconuts]

You are either a wizard or a superhero or both. I bow to you.

I am sure that I can also do things that would amaze you but I can’t think of what they might be at the moment. lol

Well done

[Draikan]

Unfortunately all I have today are teasers, nothing of real substance!

Shelves were delivered. I haven't had a chance to assemble them yet. Hopefully I can do that this weekend.


M. nidifica is working on a bunch of spikes. This is actually the first time it has bloomed in my care, can't wait to see the flowers!


S. hirtzii has a bloom started too. And lots of bright green new leaves. I love it when foliage does this, the various greens look great together!

[Metallising]

Very nice topic. Thanks for sharing all the info.

I have my terrarium running only for a few weeks but having cultivated mushrooms before I found the needs, techniques and equipment are very similar to orchids cultivated in terrariums.

Regarding humidity sensors and humidistats, I have been using an Inkbird ihc-200 for 2.5 years now with no issues or calibration problems, the humidity sensor has been reliable. People into mushroom cultivation use this equipment often for reading humidity >90%.
If the sensor malfunctions it can be easily replaced.

I use it in my 18x18x24 terrarium to turn on the foggers once humidity drop below 85% and turn off once it reaches 90%. This cycle last about 10 minutes and happens 1-4 times per day.
I also have a 80mm fan running non stop at 5V.
Watering isn't yet automated as I'm waiting for parts but I think will be set once every 2 days.

After reading your previous posts I'm now re thinking air circulation, I might change the current fan for a 120mm or add a second 80mm.

I noticed in your Adafruit page you have a 5-6C day/night temperature drop in both tanks. How do you achieve that?

Keep up the good work.

[Draikan]

I have a friend that is into mushroom cultivation and he and I have been sharing tips!

For the inkbird or other humidity sensors, how do you know it is accurate? What if the "real" humidity is 85% when the meter says 90%?

I have not used the inkbird, but from looking at pictures I'm pretty sure I know what kind of humidity sensor it has. I'd love to take one apart. If anyone ever breaks one, I would pay shipping haha!

Curious what the CFM rating of your fan is? Do you point it at the glass or at the plants?

For temperature drop I'm not doing anything clever. I don't really run my heater, and my dog sleeps better when it's cold. So that temp swing is just a cracked window at night, and body heat + electronics during the day. You can see from 11/24-11/29 I was on vacation, so I had the heater set so it wouldn't get too cold. The temperature has much less swing during that period.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Draikan

For the inkbird or other humidity sensors, how do you know it is accurate? What if the "real" humidity is 85% when the meter says 90%?

If you do your research, you’ll find some manufacturers who test and certify their devices. Besides, 85% versus 90% RH is not significant.