Building an orchidarium - need advice

[s1214215]

Hi

I am getting an orchidarium made here in Bangkok. I need advice on how thick the acrylic sheeting should be. The acrylic workshop here seems to think that 8mm or 1/3 inch thick acrylic will be ok. I did see in a forum that between 6mm (1/4 inch) to 12mm (1/2 inch) would be ok. I cant find the thread again though. What thickness do members here think I should use? Will 1/3 inch be ok?

Case measurement is 51 inch (1300mm) long x 42 inch (1070mm) tall x 28 inch (710mm) front to back.

My case will be modelled on this case in this thread

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...chidarium.html

I will get a stand made similar to the stand in this thread, only mine will have 4 posts to support the canopy so that the acrylic case will have to hold no weight. The lighting will be 2 x 4 54 watt tube T5s with individual reflectors.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ress-pics.html

I will keep a mixed collection, aiming for low light growers at the bottom with more light needy plants at the top.

I'd appreciate some feed back on this plan.

Brett

[s1214215]

A bit off topic, but these are some pics of my last orchidarium that I had made from glass - a big mistake as it was so heavy to move. Had to sell it when I moved overseas from Australia. It was only T8 tubes and not enough light in the end. Sorry, these are the only pics. Lost the others.

[Magnus A]

Hi Brett and welcome

I would not make that big orchidarium in acrylic again. My own is 120*125 cm and I have severe warping of the panel due to the moisture! Acrylic absorbs moisture and expand on the wet side.

If you go for acrylic I would say from my experience that 8 mm is enough for the strenght alone, but the warping may couse severe stress and fractures! My door has acrylic hinges that has been severly dammage due to the warping of the front!

Magnus

[s1214215]

Hi Magnus

I am interested to hear this. I did not think it possible to have warping like that with acrylic. I have seen many aquariums this size made in acrylic - mind you they are near 2 inches thick acrylic.

Maybe I am better to make something like this model but use glass after all.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ress-pics.html

How long did it take for your case to warp?

Brett

[s1214215]

My other big reason for using acrylic that I am eventually moving back to Australia and will ship the orchidarium back. I am a bit worried about glass breakage in shipping.

Brett

[Magnus A]

Hi Brett

I understand your worries!

I do not know the time frame in my case. But my front i 8 mm, 2 inch acrylic will be stiff enough to compensate for the stress, I assume. I am away over the weekend but I will try to remember to take a picture on my warped front. The case itself is warped but not broken so depending on how your plans you could live with it due to your upcoming move.

[s1214215]

Thanks Magnus

I am thinking to go with a wooden frame cabinet and glass now. Actually it will work out cheaper than acrylic even if I use low iron glass like Starphire or Diamant.

I look forward to seeing your pictures as I think it will help me make up my mind.

Brett