New to terrariums

[Rhonda Svoboda]

Okay, I've been growing orchids for several years so I've a bit of experience. However, I recently aquired 4 species Phal.'s
They are not handling the winter temperture in my home like my hybrids and I am trying to raise both the temperture and humidity to get them through the winter.
Space heaters are out due to electricity costs. I ordered a heat mat but I am thinking it won't warm the ambient air temperture.
So I am considering a terrarium. I should say that I grow these under grow lights so the terrarium has to fit on my plant bench.
I've looked online but I can't find anything large enough that's in my price range. I am considering buying an aquarium but I am not sure how to cover it- maybe plastic? Would I need a heat lamp to warm the aquarium?
Any and all DIY suggestions and advice is more than welcome. Please

[estación seca]

Find a used aquarium at a yard sale, thrift shop, Craigslist or offeritup. Go to your hardware store and have them cut the cheapest window glass to fit the top. For a 10 gallon this could be one piece; for a larger aquarium you will need two, because one big enough is too fragile to handle horizontally. Also get some epoxy cement and one small drawer pull to attach to the edge of each glass piece so you can lift it. The glass won't fit tightly enough that you might need a fan inside, so you don't need to cut it short to leave room for a fan cord.

Also go to the lighting section of the hardware store and get a piece of plastic light fixture grating. This fits over recessed fluorescent lighting fixture boxes and typically comes in pieces about 3 feet by 4 feet. Cut it to fit the bottom of the aquarium. You can set your plants on this to keep them above a shallow layer of water underneath.

Put the heat mat under the aquarium. It might damage furniture. I suggest putting it on top of a piece of polystyrene foam wall insulation sheet cut to fit. The hardware store probably has that. You can use a steak knife to cut the insulation.

[Mr.Fakename]

What species are you talking about?

They have vastly different requirements, and for some of them a winter rest can be beneficial.

It's also important to realise some of them can get very big in a short time span. If money is a concern, getting a tank for 4 plants is probably a bad long-term idea.

[Rhonda Svoboda]

So I have A phal. belina, a Phal. Guadalupe Pineda, and a Phal.Yin's Black Eagle. and a small unknown Phap. None of them are thriving. These are slow growing orchids and I only need the terrariums for the winter months- I put them outside in summer.
I am thinking of two terrariums with these dimensions: 9.8 x 5.9 x 7.9 inches.
I am just at a loss- I am not much of a DIY in terms of building things. I could probably put together a kit.
I am thinking of getting a 10 gl. aquarium but I don't think I could follow
estación seca's directions for a glass top.

[estación seca]

You just measure the inside top dimensions of the opening. They have a rim on which a glass top can set. Then take the dimensions to a hardware store and ask for one piece of glass that size, or two pieces half the size if you want two. They will cut the glass while you wait. If you buy the epoxy and door pull knobs there I bet the guy who cuts the glass will also glue it or them on for you. I would suggest close to the edge near the middle of the long side of each piece.

You can also buy glass tops for aquariums at a pet shop. Typically they have two pieces of glass cut the long way, with a plastic hinge, so you can open the front panel to put in fish food. One of these would work for your terrarium as well, but buying the cut glass is cheaper.

[Rhonda Svoboda]

Thank you for walking me through that!!!