This small tank was built for growing miniature high altitude orchid species from Papua New Guinea (Think cuthbertsonii). Despite its extremely tropical location (~5 S), due to lapse rate, temperatures at higher altitudes can be extremely cool. For example, in Laiagam in Enga Province, temperatures are often ~50F at night and rarely reach 70F during the day. Laiagam is approximately 2200 meters (7,217 feet) above sea level. Parts of New Guinea reach higher than 3000 m and have snow and glaciers capping the peaks. This tank is in Austin, Texas, where outdoor temperatures often exceed 105F.
The cooling system is from a Haier cube dorm fridge. I put the evaporator coil from the fridge inside a ten gallon vert. The compressor and condenser coil are directly behind the tank.
The lighting is composed of six Cree XP-G high intensity LEDs mounted to aluminum heatsinks. They are driven by a 1000 mA Buckpuck driver and powered by a 24 Volt Potrans power supply.
Watering is accomplished by a standard MistKing system with dual premium heads. I replaced the screen on the vert kit with a panel of acrylic with the mister bulkhead mounted through it. It's secured in place by the same screws that hold the top vent/screen in place.
Air circulation is accomplished by a 60 mm ADDA waterproof DC fan.
As far as the cloud goes, the reservoir at the bottom of the tank (filled with distilled water) is warmed. The fan turns off, the compressor kicks on and voila, precipitation in a tank.
At night, the compressor kicks on and the thermostat from the fridge (at the warmest setting) keeps the tank between 48-52 F.
Mistking
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Nice. I only have one suggestion, due to safety concerns. I would grow together all the lose wires and tubes/pipes. What are you day time temps like? Do you run the compress during the day at all?
Cold PNG orchids in Austin TX
Linear Mode
