Setting up a 120 gal. Turtle/Orchid aquarium

[denvervet]

Hi folks, I am new to this forum. My son moved from Colorado to Maryland and my grandson Lincoln gave me his Red Eared Slider Turtles! I have recently purchased a 120 gallon fish aquarium which is 4'X2'X2'. Living in Colorado and not owning a greenhouse I cannot grow higher humidity orchids and would like to. I want to setup an aquarium which has a great environment for turtles and also will grow high humidity orchids. The tank will only be a out 8" full of water and its 2 ft. high. I plan on designing shelves for them and tend to think I may do better with miniature orchids. Half of the top of the tank will have glass on it the other half open. The light in the area is wonderful constant medium light under a flat roof huge skylight (4ftX6ft) and is great for phals. I can add shade if need be. Has anyone had any experience with this? What types of Orchids would thrive in this humid type environment. I will have some sort of air movement with fans but have not figured that out yet. All comments are appreciated!

[ronaldhanko]

Your post caught my eye, and while I am no expert, I'm wondering if the turtles will not eat the orchids - many turtles, if I am not mistaken are herbivorous or omnivorous.

[denvervet]

Yes, turtles are omnivores and I am sure they would eat my orchids. The orchids will be safe and the turtles won't be able to reach them, that was the thought anyhow, thanks for your comment.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board.

I don't have experience in this area, but I'm going to move your post to our terrarium area where hopefully more people which knowledge on this will see it.

[Leafmite]

There are quite a few places that sell plants for tanks. Try googling 'orchids for terrarium' and a bunch of sites come up. These sites (many for frog hobbiests) can give you an idea of what grows well in a tank. I haven't tried a tank set up but why waste all the humidity if you have to have a tank anyway? You could look at Oakhill's catalogue to see which orchids like your lighting and are small enough for your setup. Good luck!
Leafmite

[denvervet]

Thank you so much both of you for replying to my post, I appreciate your interest and help. Thanks for moving my post where it should be also! I have not setup the tank yet and wont for a couple of weeks. I am just trying to get an idea of what I have gotten myself into! Thanks again.

[Zoi2]

Originally Posted by denvervet

I am just trying to get an idea of what I have gotten myself into!

You mean your new orchid addiction?

You might also check J & L Orchids, they carry quite a few minis that may work for you.
Joann

[denvervet]

I will check them out, thank you for the referral.

[glengary54]

denvervet - Do a google search for vivariums and you will be surprised at what you can do. There are all sorts of novel ways to mount plants to keep them out of the reach of your turtles. Keep us posted on your progress.

[denvervet]

Thanks Glen, I will do so! Thanks for the advice.