Tips for a beginner terrarium grower?

[jax133jax]

Orchids are my new found passion, and I'm currently exploring the different ways to grow them i.e.; Mounted, in a greenhouse, etc. I recently heard about terrarium gardening, and i am AMAZED by it!
I would LOVE to per sue my own terrarium, but i have no idea where to start!
So I would like to ask you guys for help. I would like to have a larger terrarium, with many types of orchids, preferably ones that bloom often and are compatible. I have experience with reptiles and amphibians so I know about temperature regulation and lighting, but i dont know what an orchid would need...
So if you guys have any tips that you think would be useful it would be great. I dont really know how to set up a terrarium suitable for orchids, so materials i might need would be a good things to know.

Thanks, Jax

[fishmommy]

one of the things that is unique to orchid terrariums that reptile/tropical terrariums don't have is copious air circulation

[jax133jax]

Am i able to use fans??? Or should i look for a special tank suitable for vivariums

Originally Posted by fishmommy

one of the things that is unique to orchid terrariums that reptile/tropical terrariums don't have is copious air circulation

[fishmommy]

computer fans work great

[Magnus A]

And 12 V computer fans are safe from an electrical point! 120 V in wet environment are not a good combination.
Computer fans will in time break but they are not expensive !

Another question you have to ask yourself is if you would like to have a pure growing cabinet with mounted orchid that you can move around or a terrarium type cabinet with a fixed background with the plants planted.

[cbuchman]

Several years back, I did some research on the internet to see what was possible. I found tons of information including orchids to select and set up requirements. Try searching for Wardian Case for orchids. There is lot of information out there. The hard part will be sifting through it.

[dope.fatboy]

My suggestion is that if you're going to only be growing orchids then keep it simple. No need to make things complicated if you don't have the culture quite right. Fewer variables mean fewer potential mistakes, and much easier troubleshooting.

Having said that, there are lots of amazing build threads on dendroboard.com.

Your most important variables are going to be temperature, air movement, and humidity, and there are tons of ways to tackle each one. Check out others have done and see what is feasible for you.