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

ScottMcC · #1 06-06-2007, 12:07 PM

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.

Tindomul · #2 06-06-2007, 12:49 PM

OK, first avoid direct sun, or it will heat up like the dickens in there. Second, this is the perfect opportunity to use humidity trays for real this time. In an enclosed area like that, they should really make a difference. Thirdly, I like your wife's idea best. Fourthly, you can go to the radio shack(not sure if they have any in your area) or the local electronics/computer store and buy computer cooling fans. 2 or 3 of the large ones should be enough to keep the air moving in there. Or you could simply keep the front open at night to get rid of standing water on leaves etc.
Fifthly, there was a post around here somewhere on Masdevallia terrariums with a cooling apparatus of some sort or other. I don't know how to do this, but perhaps some info is available within those posts.
Sixthly, Good luck!! This is going to be really cool!

Ross · #3 06-06-2007, 01:10 PM

I like this setup Scott. I'll second the plexi idea, but you could also use old storm windows? Fans are available lotsa places. If they'll be getting wet, avoid the 120 volt models. They are also louder than 12 volt. Small 12 volt fans are available from Coralife 3-1/8" Cooling Fan Kit

I personally prefer the artificial lighting option for a couple reasons - it is easier to control (not at mercy of sunny vs cloudy days, etc.) and you can control day length with timers. Home Depot shop lights are good enough for lots of spp - don't need fancy. Cool white t8 bulbs (the skinny ones) are pretty bright. Let us know how it works.

ScottMcC · #4 06-06-2007, 01:34 PM

this will be in a northeast facing room, so it will not be getting much in the way of direct sun. I guess some supplemental light will be necessary.

ross, is the fan you linked to just a fan, or is it also some manner of small air conditioner/cooling unit? I seem to recall you linked to a few super compact air conditioners in the past, do you still have these links? do they work?

Ross · #5 06-06-2007, 01:42 PM

The fan is a 12 volt fan with on/off switch and built in ac/dc converter. Pretty neat fans for the price and so quiet you normally don't hear them Corallife makes a larger version also 12 volt (I think 4")

I don't have or use coolers except in my cigar humidor. My tank is in basement that maintains pretty cool temps day and night. Yes I have linked to a few peltier cooling units, etc. but don't have much first-hand knowledge except as used in a cigar humidor. My humidor temp is set to 70 degreesF and the cooling unit does not run in winter (duh). In summer it generates so much humidity I need to use 3 tubs of "Damp Rid" to keep humidity below 70% (my target for cigars is 66%). I think the combo would be great for orchids except for one thing: my humidor is insulated - your orchidarium won't be. The cooling unit would run 24/7 whenever temps exceed the controller set point. Don't know if this will damage the unit or not. If cool temps are a must for your needs, I would have a special double-wall tank made (can use twin wall greenhouse glazing) just to house the cool growers, and don't worry about temps in the intermediate/warm orchidarium. Just a thought.

aquanut415 · #6 06-06-2007, 01:47 PM

can you get your hands on twin wall clear poly-carbonate? use that for the siding. surely use humidity trays and fans.

my only question is, how are you gonna light the bottom trays?

Ross · #7 06-06-2007, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottMcC

this will be in a northeast facing room, so it will not be getting much in the way of direct sun. I guess some supplemental light will be necessary.

Not enough light at northern latitudes, don't know in Texas. You may need to use a light meter to see. Doubt you can achieve 2500 FCs for bright growing 'chids, though without supplemental lighting. Just a guess on my part.

Tindomul · #8 06-06-2007, 02:22 PM

I would use some T5's. They are superbright, and supercool in comparison to others that are just as bright.

ScottMcC · #9 06-06-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquanut415

can you get your hands on twin wall clear poly-carbonate? use that for the siding. surely use humidity trays and fans.

my only question is, how are you gonna light the bottom trays?

hmm...this might be getting more complicated than I had anticipated. maybe I should focus more on things that like the temperature I can provide, and have a small cooler that gives me a small cool corner for a few select cool growers.

I had planned on only having one bank of lights at the top, and doing low light plants in the bottom. but a second bank of lights on the lower shelf wouldn't be that hard to do either.

thanks everyone for the suggestions!