Thoughts on a future all Orchid Vivarium/Terraium

[Tindomul]

So I was thinking about constructing an all orchid terrarium/vivarium. The idea is to get a 75 GALLON TALL 48"L x 18"W x 21"H all glass tank. Fix it up with a custom made Vivarium Insert so that the tank can be used vertically. I would use a false bottom with egg crate and PVC pipes to hold it above the bottom by about 4". Use HandiFoam to make a background to mount the great majority of the orchids.
With the vents that would be built into the vivarium insert I could use two fans to create adequate ventillation. There would be lots of driftwood to create shading for shade loving orchids, and mounting surfaces for little epiphytic orchids.
Now the lights. I would need something stronger than your usual 40 watt T-10. I would need something that puts out as wide a spectrum as possible and at least 2500 Foot Candles. This would have to be a little above the top of the viv to disperse heat. The substrate would be somesort of orchid potting mix, with leca balls and gravel for good drainage.

Ok, if you are still with me, here are the orchids I would guess I might be able to use. I havent really researched these yet but will soon with this neat book I just bought myself (waiting on delivery)
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...8192721X&itm=5

I would need ligth loving heat hogging epiphytes at the top of the viv. They would also have to be little to fit all the way at the top. The bottom would be planted with Macodes, Ludisia, and Anoectochilus.

Here is the list of Orchids that I think will do well in such a setup.
1-Masdevallias, 2-Pleurothallis, 3-Lepanthes, 4-Phalaenopsis, 5-Bulbophyllums, 6-Microsaccus, 7-Haraella odorata(I know this will do well), 8-Dracula, 9-Platystelle, 10-Cischwenfia, 11-Dresslerella, 12-Porroglossum, 13-Scaphosepalum, 14-Trichosalpinx, 15-Trisetella, 16-Ludisia, 17-Anoectochilus, 18-Macodes, 19-Restripia, 20-Dryadella

If anyone thinks anyone of these will not do well in a tank please let me know. I don't plan on haveing all of these genus' but I do plan to choose my plants from these groups. If anyone knows of any other plants, please post some names?
A few things I havent considered are size, and whether or not the plant goes dormant or is decidous. I don't want decidous orchids and dormant plants would ideally all go dormant together.
This tank wont be built for at least two years, but I already have some of the supplies gathered. So the next two years will be dedicated to gathering money and supplies, and space for this project.
One last question, has anyone ever done something like this?

Thanks for not getting bored on my topic.

[terrestrial_man]

Greetings! a lot of people have done something similar but incorporating a variety of tropical plants and bromeliads.
While Ludisia would do well why not substitute Dossinia (this likes it hot and humid with shade)-Ludisia can handle it cooler.
From what few of the genera you listed that I have an inkling about I would think that you are on a safe footing.
One recommendation: a photolog. Apparently alot of people have no clue as to what you are talking about so a photolog that images each individual unit of the terrarium and relevant stages in construction and in planting would be VERY important and a great introduction and perhaps stimulus to emulate your version of an orchidarium!

[Ross]

I am at the same stage except I already have the aquarium - all glass. Mine is 30"Long x 12" wide by 19" tall. I plan to keep mine horizontal and limit it to minis only. Eventually I may use Mist King misters, but to start with I plan to try one of those little ultrasonic jobs. For lights I plan on either 48" 4-bulb T5 setup or 2 Compact Florescents (55 watt models). Still debating on that decision. I have egg-crate plastic in bottom over ceramic tile pieces to raise it above bottom of tank (that's in there now). I plan to line back and sides with coconut mat to attach the minis to. I'll probably use New Zealand spagnum on egg-crate plastic to hold moisture and to improve looks. I heard it might start growing if conditions are right. My goal is to have something up and running in next couple months and also plan to document the process. Good luck to you and I know you'll do well since you have some experience already.

[Tindomul]

Thanks for the response. I have rethought the whole thing. Even though I still want to get a large front opening viv, I don't feel I can use only orchids. Its been a challange to fill my little itty bitty 20 gallon vivarium with nothing but orchids. So I think I will use a mix of orchids and bromeliads, and ferns. And I would also like to incorporate lots of aroids(such as anthuriums, etc..), and any other plant which I might think of as strange and or unique (ex: Bat Plant).
As for lighting, I also now believe that a T5 setup is much more appropriate. As far as plant types, with some experience now under my belt, I have come to believe that Miniature Catts, or regular sized Catt types in a large enclosure do well in brighter, warmer, and dryer parts of an enclosure (usually towards the top). I have also looked into
Sophronitis http://www.orchidspecies.com/sophronitiscernura.htm
ANd I have recenlty fallen inlove with this Vanda type miniature:
Dyakia hendersonianum
http://www.orchidspecies.com/dyahendersonianium.htm
I want to look more into encylcias (I haven't had the best of luck with these yet).
And http://www.orchidspecies.com/schoensp.htm
Im not familiar anymore with some of the genera I mentioned in the first post on this thread oh well.
Are there anyplants you might suggest?

[Ironwood]

Ross a 4foot 54 watt T5 lamp has 5000 lumens per bulb and life expectancy of 20,000 hours while a 55 watt compact fluorescent bulb output is rated at 3500 lumens and 8000 hours. You would have a quite a bit more light even with the overhang of the 4 footers. T5s are cheaper and the output is more stable over the life of the bulb. Only drawback is initial cost of fixture for startup.

[terrestrial_man]

Hello Tindomul1of9,
If you are interested in what the image I am attaching is in reference to then email me.
eyuracleo@hotmail.com
and I will send you the sheet I made up for Mitcholito of Sweden who created this new approach.
To see it and to access other links to some great terrarium sites you will have to visit
The Orchid Source, click on Orchid Soup, and then on the nano viv thread.
Don't know if the folks that run this forum will get bent over my mention of The Orchid Source but I frequent several forums, not all plant related.
So maybe it is time to think outside the box or the bun or ???