Need help to purchase an Orchidarium - Orchid Board

Grandma M · #1 10-20-2008, 11:28 AM

I NEED an orchidarium. I need one to fit into a space about 30" long and no more than 21" - 22" deep, the height is optional. I think it's time to start a search before the heat comes on in my home and dries the air out even more.

Maybe I'm looking for the imposible. I'm looking for something somewhat attractive. It will sit in an entry hall and I don't want to greet my guests with an ulgy contraption being the first thing they see. Any suggestion where to look? I don't want a huge shipping charge added to the cost.

So many of the Angraecoids need more humidity than I can give them now and I have fallen in love with them. Ross, You have been one of the biggest tempters.

Marilyn

gmdiaz · #2 10-20-2008, 12:06 PM

You know, I think I would go custom. . .if that's a possibility!

Get a big tall unit, sort of like an aquarium built into a cabinet to fit the space. . .that's what I really really want for myself, anyway. LOL

But I do really love my tall Exo Tank. You can spruce those up and make it gorgeous but they're not super elegant on their own.

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

I love your vanda set up down in your basement, just so you know! *big grin*

Do you have room down there to add a metal shelving unit on wheels with a crystal clear cover with zippers? That's what I just got set up for my orchids. . .it's basically just like our little grow rack but it's MUCH bigger and taller! LOL I put two tubs on the bottom shelf with Hydroton balls and filled it up halfway with water. . .works great to raise humidity. I haven't had to put a humidifer in there. So far humidity stays around 75%. NICE I'll try to take pictures for you. . .

Oh and I can't wait to hear what you think about Orchid Wiz now that you've had it for a little while!

Ranchnanny · #3 10-20-2008, 01:23 PM

Grandma M if you aren't going to build the orchidarium yourself go to Orchidarium.com that is where I got mine. I have the Maui which would fit in your space by the measurements you stated. I love mine

Sheridan

Ross · #4 10-20-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandma M

Ross, You have been one of the biggest tempters.

Marilyn

Grandma M · #5 10-20-2008, 02:57 PM

Sheridan

That is the one I have been looking at. One thing I like about it is you can see through all 4 sides. The back side will be open to a staircase so I like the open back. I like it, even the price is in line but shipping costs are horrible.

Do you have it on the floor or do you have it raised up, with what?

How many lights did you get,2 or 3? Do you like the lights? I don't know anything about them.

What other items did you need to buy to get it set up? (fans, humidifiers,what else)

I was hoping Ross would chime in with his opnion. Or some other company to choose from.

Did I question you to death yet?

Marilyn

Ross · #6 10-20-2008, 03:00 PM

OK, since you asked, I didn't like any of the commercial units so I designed my own. Paul at First Class Aquatics LLC - Custom Acrylic Aquariums, Vivariums and other reef related equipment. built it for me. Since then I've had a couple large drip pans made as well. Custom isn't all that difficult, but you do need some design experience (I used Autocad software drafting application). Also, glass warps less than acrylic. There have been lots of custon-built tanks described here over the last couple years.

Grandma M · #7 10-20-2008, 03:25 PM

Ross, thanks for your answer. I was hoping you would respond. A custom built unit sounds a lot better, but I wouldn't know where to start with designing one. I believe it would also be more expensive.

What objections do you have with the Maui unit aside from the fact that it isn't glass? Please be honest and give me all the reasons.

Is there any other prebuilt unit? That company is the only one I can find with google.

I have lots of questions. I also wonder about the lights. I have never heard of them.

Marilyn

Ranchnanny · #8 10-20-2008, 03:35 PM

Grandma M well the orchidarium I purchased came with everything you need fan, lights, temp/humidity meter.

This thing was so easy to put together I did it myself. No tools needed just follow the instructions. It comes with 3 lights one is warm (center light)for blooming and the other 2 are cool for growing. The fan is already in place and runs 24/7. It is easy to clean which I do once a month. The instructions tell you how to regulate the temps and humidity by opening vents etc.... I have mine sitting on a table I found at a used furniture store. I did put some coco mats on the back but that's up to the person.
Mine cost $795.00 with $58.00 shipping which I thought was pretty good. I did find this orchidariums on one of the orchid vender sites Orchid Web and one other but can't remember. Just google Orchiarium. I finally got the pictures downloaded.

Let me know what you think

Sheridan

Ranchnanny · #9 10-20-2008, 03:41 PM

Grandma M I used to mist several times a day but decieded to purchase a misting system Herbmist.com. Mine has one nozzle but I did purchase another timer to get seconds versus minutes. Ross suggested that to me. The humidity stays around 97% and I can control the temp with the vents.

Sheridan

Ranchnanny · #10 10-20-2008, 03:44 PM

Oh no I sent you the wrong name for the misting system it should be Herpmist.com or you can e-mail the owner at jason@herpmist.com

You get everything you need with this as well $197.60 total ship/included.

Sheridan