terrarium growing with no fans, can this be done

[Discus]

Can it be done: yes
Is it a good idea: no.

As long as the humidity is low enough and air exchange is high enough, it'll probably work, but if you get problems with fungus and poor growth, likely fans will go a long way to fixing the problem. Pretty much everyone seems to think/find fans are the way forward in enclosed high humidity growing spaces.

[nenella]

Originally Posted by Discus

Can it be done: yes
Is it a good idea: no.

As long as the humidity is low enough and air exchange is high enough, it'll probably work, but if you get problems with fungus and poor growth, likely fans will go a long way to fixing the problem. Pretty much everyone seems to think/find fans are the way forward in enclosed high humidity growing spaces.

I can only speak about my experience. I have had 2 glass cases with front opening doors; and a wire netting on the top (made for reptiles). I have had these since July 2011. I have filled the bottom with about 4" of terracotta pebbles. Both are in front of a S/SW window respectively. I have a temp & humidity reading meter in each. Up to now, 7 months.... and it works without extra lighting or fans.. But then mine are not 100% enclosed so air gets in and we do open the sliding doors they are in front of depending on the weather (wind/chill factor) - also I have not had any mold or anything forming... I suppose it could happen .. but if I do ever notice anything like that & I do look at my orchids at least once most days... I would remove it & try and sort the problem out. Which brings me to say that I love the OB as this is what this board and it's members are fantastic for..helping each other sort our growing problems!