questions on making a background for my terrarium - Orchid Board

Becky Jo · #1 02-20-2010, 04:08 PM

I am new to this but I have read all of the old threads on terrariums. I have 2 now but I want to make them look like a place where orchids grow. I am using styroform and have carved in trees, holes for plants to live which have been line with coco fiber. I am using acylic pant which is no toxic. Do I need to seal them? If so with what? Or do I need to start over?

Epiphile · #2 02-20-2010, 05:35 PM

Hi Becky Jo,

I'd have a look over at Vivarium Forum- they'll definitely have answers to all your questions regarding backgrounds there.

I haven't worked with acrylic paint in tanks as yet and so don't feel qualified to say, and I've heard opposing points of view. Some details and/or photos of your tank would probably be helpful- how much water the painted area will be seeing would definitely be a factor.

Aaron

Becky Jo · #3 02-20-2010, 06:28 PM

Hi Aaron, Thanks for the quick reply. I will lookup the forum to find my answers. I have an old 20 gal 6 sided fish tank. I have looked on the forum for every thing except the background. I had old styrofoam and carved it up and painted it. It looked cool but now I am concerned about my plants. I have a tropic aire system that will be set up but for now I have an air stone in a large jar. It seems to work well. I will check the forum now. Thanks

Epiphile · #4 02-20-2010, 07:27 PM

I don't think that the paint should give you too much cause for concern if it's properly dried and cured if that's the case. Often times people will have water moving constantly over their backgrounds, which is why I asked.

If you are really uneasy I might suggest sealing with an epoxy. Apparently there's a trick to sprinkle some fine sand over the epoxy while it's wet to take out some of the shine to the finish that epoxy ordinarily leaves.

Hope this helps.

Becky Jo · #5 02-20-2010, 10:32 PM

Cool. I will try that . I don't think that there will water rolling over it. I am using a tropic aire for humidity. I have not set it up yet but have been using an air stone in a large jar. Thanks

Becky Jo · #6 02-20-2010, 10:34 PM

Oops I just tried to fine some where and what kind would I use?

Epiphile · #7 02-20-2010, 11:53 PM

Epoxy, you mean? I think West Systems is a popular brand for this application, but it may be on the pricey side for such a small project. I would think that most 2-part epoxies such as you can find at a hardware store should be fine.

Becky Jo · #8 02-21-2010, 11:08 AM

Sorry, yes that was what I was talking about. I have to go back to work this week so it will take more time to get it finished. Rats. I am inpatient when it comes to projects. I read the archives for about 2 weeks and thought I had it all figured out. Guess I go back a few steps and regroup. Thanks for the help.