Anyone use Exo-Terra Terrariums?

[Paul Mc]

I am contemplating buildling a terrarium, and was wondering if anyone had used the Exo-Terra terrariums for this before.

I was only thinking of getting the 18x18x24 inch one for my cooler growing/high humidity miniature orchids, but am still working my way through the thought process on it.
If you've tried or are using an Exo-Terra (of if you have any thoughts on them), there are a few things I would like to know.

1.) Is anymore air flow needed other than the ventilations they have (I'm thinking a least a small computer fan if nothing else)

2.) Are water features (i.e. ultrasonic mist makers, small bodies of water and waterfalls) easy to build into these?
3.) What other peoples experience has been in relation to the creating the proper environment in terms of lighting, temperature and humidity regulation.

[Tindomul]

I know that many people on this forum have used exoterras to grow orchids in them. I have not. I prefer to build my own tanks simply because I don't like the screen top that these have. However, I think that they would work nicely, and given a fan everything should be fine. Orchids love fog so long as they dry out everyday at some point, preferably the night. Humid is one thing, wet is another.
I also find that my orchids in my glass enclosure need more light to bloom than what 2 T5 compact flourescents (65 watt, 7000K) will give them. Very frustrating.
Most exoterras I find too small for my taste, and the big ones are too expensive. Let us know what you decide.

[Paul Mc]

Yeah, after going to the store and looking at them I have decided that the ones they carry are too small and the big ones are just too expensive as well. I found a great place that details how to build your own with glass and vent's, but it sounds as though it would be easy enough to modify it to be whatever you want it to be.

Now, I'm just trying to figure out do I want a cold/humid or warm/humid terrarium, which orchids I will put in there (determining size and shape) and then finally where on earth I would put something like this, lol...

I will say though that I am considering buying a huge open air (screened) iguana cage to place outside so I can protect my orchids from squirrels and such. I found out that we have possums two doors down that are nesting, so I don't want them to eat and/or destroy them when I put them out this year.

[calvin_orchidL]

Maybe you should have a cold/humid and a warm/humid. Also don't forget about high light or low light as an additional factor!