New in terrarium growing

[Keltera]

Hey guys!

I have recently aquired a 15 gallon tank ( with a crack that will be siliconed) and I want to turn it into a terrarium. I've been reading some of the threads here an I've compiled a list of things I will need.


Small pump - check
wood and or epiweb - to be found or bought
fan - on its way
humidity and temp Gage - check
lid -to be made
live moss - to be bought
plants - to be bought
lights - check
heater -check


Have I missed anything?

Iam planning on haveing a warm growing terrarium and any help you guys can give will be wonderful

[JungleMel]

Yay new tank! You don't necessarily need the moss, wood, ecoweb, etc. There are so many plants you can grow in a terraium, and decorations you can use, even in a 15 gal., don't feel the need to limit yourself with what others commonly use. If you want a warmer tank depending on what lighting you use you may not need a heat source as the lights will accomplish most of that. However if you find it isn't warm enough especially at night, you may need a supplemental heat source.

[Keltera]

Like a heat stone for lizards possibly?
I would like to have the moss personaly, I love the look of it in the terrariums. I have a 'genral' idea what I want, I would like some driftwood to mount the chids on, and I deffinitly want minis.

[JungleMel]

I don't know how much heat one of those reptile stones actually puts out, so I can't say. I've been using aquarium/fish tank heaters in one tank in the winter, but the summer between the lights and because I don't like to crank the AC thats enough. Whatever works for you though. Please post some pics when you get it set up, sounds like it will look nice!

[Keltera]

Do you place the heater in the water at the bottom? Or just sit it at the side? Was thinking about a aquarium heater but I was afraid that I'd it was not in the water that the heat would be to much for the glass and break.

[harrywitmore]

Originally Posted by Keltera

Do you place the heater in the water at the bottom? Or just sit it at the side? Was thinking about a aquarium heater but I was afraid that I'd it was not in the water that the heat would be to much for the glass and break.

Yes, the aquarium heater would have to be in the water or it will break. The rock would work also if the tank is closed. The added benefit of using an aquarium heater is that it will also provide humidity but you will have to monitor the water level.

I'm not sure what orchids you want to grow so that's the first consideration. If growing cool to intermediate species, then too much heat is more than likely the problem you will have. With lights it's often harder to keep the temperature low than it is to allow it to be warm.

If you are growing warm species then heat may be an issue if you do not heat your home above 60F in the winter.

But, it's all going to depend on what you intend to grow.

[Keltera]

Originally Posted by harrywitmore

But, it's all going to depend on what you intend to grow.

I do plan on having a warm tank . i have no real plants picked out yet, and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Iam hopeing for mini`s any kinds. maybe even some Bulbophyllums !

i just wish my sister would bring the tank soon so i can get started hahaha

[Keltera]

It would also be nice if i could keep a carnivorous plant in there as well

[Keltera]

YAY! my sis brought the tank today! <3

After pokeing aorund this section this is a list of plants i would not mind getting for my Terrarium, ofcourse, i will not get ALL of these.


Haraella odorata
Epidendrum porpax
Restrepia condorensis
Parapteroceras quisumbingii
Leptotes calodictyon
Epigeneium nakaharai
Dendrobium prenticei
Sophronitis coccineas
Macroclinium aurea
Neobathia filicornu
Aerangis punctata

(carniverous plant)
Drosera venusta

[Tindomul]

Nice list, if you plan on keeping it bright you might have some luck with some smaller bulbos too. Are you going to use the tank as simply a place to put your plants, or are you going to build a naturalistic terrarium, so the setup looks like something from the wild?