Terrarium Tank Suggestion - Scratched Glass - Orchid Board

TheFreshman · #1 04-18-2010, 11:55 PM

Hello:

I'm new to this...forum, terrariums, gardening, the whole bit; so you'll have to excuse my ignorance.

Since I'm not permitted to have pets in my apartment (including fish) I've decided to grow plants. The more I searched the internet, the more I began to like the idea of having a terrarium. I originally thought I'd purchase an eXo kit, but then decided to put my craftiness to work and bought a used 90g tank today!

I thought I checked the glass thoroughly when picking it up, but after a few hours of cleaning and sanitizing I found that my attention to detail was sub par.

Is a tank with scratches something I will surely regret after I get it set up and viewable? I would hate to have wasted half my day cleaning something I'm not going to use and deal with reselling it; but I also don't want to put countless hours into something that won't be appealing. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

Zoi2 · #2 04-19-2010, 12:28 AM

Hello and welcome to the OB.
I don't think the scratches are going to detract once you have it filled with plants.
Joann

DelawareJim · #3 04-19-2010, 08:36 AM

No problem.

Once you put up some Eco-web/Epi-web, cork slabs, or egg crate for mounts, you'll never notice.

48 x 18 x 15? That's a nice size!

Cheers.
Jim

TheFreshman · #4 04-19-2010, 09:20 PM

Thanks for the advice Jim and Joann...onward I will proceed!

Jim, the tank is roughly 48Lx18Wx24H and the 1/2" glass makes it a bit on the heavy side...can't wait to lift it after it's full

calvin_orchidL · #5 04-20-2010, 04:50 PM

Great to see more folks jumping on the grow tank bandwagon!

I have one that is exactly the same size, but with a huge crack down one side. I just turn that side to face the wall and it's all good!

I'd recommend a bank of 4ft T5 lights...they fit perfectly over the space of the tank. Keep us updated - looking forward to seeing how you plan on setting this guy up!

Tindomul · #6 04-20-2010, 08:02 PM

Wow that a nice big size. Are the scratches going to be on the viewing pane?
Ordinarily I would say, just make it a vertical terrarium (that way you install you own scratch free viewing pane in), but it would probably be too tall for adequate lighting to reach the bottom of the tank.

TheFreshman · #7 04-21-2010, 02:35 AM

Thanks for the suggestion Calvin. That was part of the reason I was hunting for this size tank...easy to retrofit with 4' bulbs.

Tindomul, unfortunately both of the broad sides of the tank have small scratches in them. You can sort of see them in the picture toward the right side. I too contemplated going vertical. Which, you're right, poses a lighting dilemma as well as an awkward depth-to-width ratio (deeper than wide).

I haven't yet started working on the hood so it's not too late to regroup and change tanks...just less exciting.