Grand Cayman Orchidarium questions

[Becca]

Hi Stephan! What is your normal humidity where you live? For me it is around 20% or less. I found that without a misting system that my humidity in my Grand Cayman was running around 40%. I bought a MistKing system and that keeps the humidity up around 70% to 90%. The misting system does not take the place of watering, but if I increase the time that the nozzles spray for and the frequency the come on then it will help hold over some of my mounted orchids if I am away for a weekend. I am also always changing the layout, constantly trying to maximize space as my collection grows...lol. As far as the lights, I find they keep the temps around in the mid 70's during the day and the temps drop down into the mid to low 60's. I wouldn't recommend keeping the bulbs for the manufacture recommended 20,000 hours. I am going to start replacing mine every year and I have found some good deals on the internet for replacement bulbs running around $10.00 per bulb versus orchidarium.com's price of $20.00 per bulb. As far as the fans, I leave those on 24/7 and have even added a coralife fan for extra air circulation and would still like to add one or two more, I leave them sitting on the bottom of the orchidarium since I don't have any plants there due to the lighting being to dim. I hope this helps and feel free to ask any other questions!

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[boytjie]

Becca, thanks for the great info. I asked someone else on this thread as well, but it can't hurt to ask twice: do you happen to have the setup instructions? The folks I bought this from lost them some time ago, and the unit is sitting in pieces. No idea where to start. I'd happily pay postage for a copy! Many thanks!

[Becca]

I think I may have them. Let me look and I will scan and email them to you if I find them. I'll let you know tomorrow!

[bcub30]

here is a pic of my Maui. I grow mainly pluerothallids. My temps run in the low 60s days and mid 50s night. Lights are on a timer so that the durration now is about 12 hours to simmulate spring. Humidity runs about 80 percent durring the day and up to low 90s at night. I keep the fan on 24 hours to provide the air movement masdies and dracs love. You should notice alot of new root growth with a week. Mine are just thriving! I water my plants on a varying schedule. The plants higher up in th orchidarium dry out alot quicker than those that are lower down. Water if RO water only. If you use tap you will get mineral spots on the acrylic.

Scott