New Terrarium - Here's how I did it...

[Duane McDowell]

I wanted a cool-intermediate terrarium that I didn't have to spend too much money on. Here's the route I took.
30 gallon tank (36" long, 12" deep, 17" high).
The light box is the most technical part of it. I measured 1x8 boards so that the box would be about 1/4" larger than the tank all around. Then I cut 1/4" deep slots 1/4" from the long edges of the boards. On one of the longer side boards, I spaced out 4 ceramic light fixtures. On one of the short ends, I cut a hole and installed a computer fan blowing outwards. I put an electrical box on the same end. All of the wiring goes into that box. The far end has a few holes in it to bring air in for cooling. I slid a piece of plexiglass into the top and bottom slits on the boards, making a box. The entire light box (except for the bottom plexiglass piece) is lined with reflective mylar. I installed a small computer fan on the bottom of the bottom piece of plexiglass using long bolts. The fan is positioned to blow upwards. I ran the fog tube of a repti-fogger through the light box so that it blows out close to the fan. The lights and the cooling fan for the light box are on one timer. The repti-fogger is on another. The circulating fan is on constantly. I installed some 2" angle aluminum pieces along the top of the aquarium using silicone goop so that I can slide the light box back for easy access to the plants. I've filled most of the gap along the top of the front and back of the terrarium with some weather stripping. I'm trying to balance too much humidity vs. too little, and cutting away some weather stripping or adding more is really easy. I've added a crude sketch of what the thing looks like in various profiles - not as pretty as the photos, but probably more useful. I'll let you know how it works!

[Zoi2]

Very nice set up.
Joann