Boscos Orchidarium

[bosco]

Hi MRobert,

The acrylic and welding materials cost ~300, there are a number of online sites that sell acrylic sheets and usually most will do custom cutting... IMO its much more fun to build your own case and cheaper! The prices from several online orchidarium dealers are astronomical. The entire tank with lights, fans, humidifiers cost ~600

[calvin_orchidL]

Hey Bosco! Great setup! I love the tiers you have set up for the plants..it looks fantastic!

Just a question regarding the acrylic - I know some members here have had experience with the material warping. Has this happened to you? Also, are your fans wired up to 12V adaptors? If so, is the voltage adjustable? I was experimenting the other night and discovered that 12V spins the fans fast and they are LOUD! I may have to invest in an adjustable adaptor...unless it's a problem with the fan (ie - are there quiet 12V fans available???)

Finally what light are you using?

Sorry for the questions! I just got a 90g aquarium I'm hoping to transform into some sort of orchidarium. Thanks and keep up the great growing!

[bosco]

The fans can be plugged into various adapters, provided the current output meets the minimum requirement of the fan. This is usually printed on the fan. I use cell phone chargers for smaller fans (<2") and 9-12V adapters for the larger muffin fans and I wire several fans to the same adapter. Please keep in mind I am not an electrician, so do your own due diligence DYODD!!!

The acrylic warps, I use 0.25" thick sheets to minimize any bending of the material, i know 0.125" sheets will bend if not reinforced with struts.

The light is a CPF @ 125W, I'm not very happy with the output and am thinking of replacing the light with a bank (6) of 24" t-5 lights.

[CodiMN]

Woo hoo Bosco! AWESOME JOB!
I especially love the large brandy snifter you use for your mist fogger! I may just have to copy that idea...
Your 'chids look soooooooo happy! And again, welcome to the Orchid Board! :