A head full of terrarium ideas, but no experience - Orchid Board

ScottMcC · #1 06-06-2007, 11:07 AM

So in a few weeks I want to start setting up a sorta-terrarium. I've never done this before, so I'm turning to the experts for advice.

Here's what's in my mind. We got these wire shelves from IKEA:

I want to wrap it in clear plastic sheeting, leaving the front open. The front would have a separate piece of plastic sheeting taped on one side, and velcroed on the other 3. That way, I could get in there to mess with the plants as needed. alternately, my wife had a good idea of using a piece of plexiglass for the front, with wires/hinges/fasteners to hold it in place.

now clearly I'd need a small fan--any ideas of good sources?

I'd also need some kind of cooling device, as I'm planning on using this enclosure for cool to intermediate growers. again, thoughts?

regarding humidity: I don't really think I'll need too much help here--this will be in a house in san antonio, and with all the moisture from the plants themselves, plus watering/misting as needed, it should be good to go, right?

lights: I don't know if I'll really need much additional light. this will be in a pretty bright windowsill, and most of the things I'm contemplating don't need much in the way of light. but I guess it wouldn't be too hard to add in a few fluorescents, right?

anyway, I welcome any and all suggestions.