S/H Terrarium

[Ray]

OK, I'm jumping into this with two unknowns - I've never set up a terrarium before, and I'm doing so with inert components.

This is it so far:

• 3" of EpiWeb on the bottom
• 3" of fine PrimeAgra on top
• Carved lava rock waterfall for humidification
• EpiWeb tank back for plants to grow on

The structure of the EpiWeb supports the medium wonderfully, yet is open enough that a LOT of water is within it for the waterfall. No additional voids or reservoirs needed.

In so far are a couple of ferns, a couple of bulbo's, a few ludisia divisions, and a Haraella retrocalla. I also plopped a few clumps of moss in there to "seed" it a bit.

It's only about ten days old at this point, and the ferns and ludisias are growing and doing fine. No activity out of the rest yet.

[cb977]

Very cool project, Ray!
Please keep us posted about the progress...and some pictures would be great

[Ross]

Yeah! I am also interested as I am still in the advanced planning stage of my "super terrarium" (48"L x 18"W x 36"H)

[Tindomul]

Im interested to find out why you put the hydroton on top of the epiweb? Why not just keep it straight hydroton? On the tank, do you have a way to control the water level? Bulkhead? Are were you can suck out the water? Something?
If not, I find that if you are not careful, water levels can rise very quickly. Fortunately there is no soil in there which once water logged is nearly imposible to dry out inside a terrarium. Anyway Good luck! And keep us updated!

[Ray]

I used the EpiWeb as a base to keep the finer particles of PrimeAgra from getting into the waterfall pump.

In retrospect, I might have done well to put a small "standpipe" through the bottom to maintain a maximum water level, but I can see the water level through the glass, so can regulate it manually with no problem.

I'll try to get a few photos, but it's in the basement, and after crashing my motorcycle yesterday, my sprained ankle makes it hard to get up and down stairs.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Ray

I'll try to get a few photos, but it's in the basement, and after crashing my motorcycle yesterday, my sprained ankle makes it hard to get up and down stairs.

Wow! Take it easy on that ankle, and we can wait till you are better for going up and down stairs.

[Tindomul]

I agree with Ross. We can wait till you are better. But don't forget to do it! hehe.

[littlefrog]

Ray,

I'm liking the Epi-web as the back of my latest tank. Didn't think to use it on the bottom. I think you will be pleased with it in the terrarium. My tank bottoms are (now) always straight medium grade diatomite. I've used prime-agra as a base too, but i think the diatomite looks just a tad better. It looks more natural to me (there are a variety of colors of the rock).

The Epiweb is working great as a mounting material (ex vitro) as well.

Note to self: Need to order more epiweb...

Rob

[Tindomul]

I use prime-agra or hydroton as my base always. But I have a thin layer of natural gravel up against the glass so it looks natural.

[Ray]

Here's a couple of quick shots:



and the PrimeAgra/EpiWeb interface as a close-up, so you can see the water level.