Exo-Terra help deciding

[Orchidophile]

Hello, I'm new to the board but not to orchids. So I bought a Exo-Terra 18" cube and I have the lights and the fan but need some help with the set-up. I want to do a natural landscape but don't know how I should go about it. I have some tree fern and cork panels but how should I attach them to the walls.? Should I cover all walls except front.? I have flourite and coco bricks for the substrate but I was thinking of putting a layer of hydroton on the bottom and the mixture of flourite and coco on top, if I can find the hydroton somewhere. When I get the walls and substrate all set up I will put in some drift wood and stuff for more growing spaces.

[shakkai]

Welcome to Orchid Board! You will find tons of great information here to help you on your way with your project.

There is a member article with step by step instructions on setting up a natural style orchidarium:
http://www.orchidboard.com/Convertin...to-orchidarium

There are also threads which deal specifically with what people have done with their Exo Terra tanks:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ok-plunge.html
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...lunge-too.html
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...nge-three.html

There are also some great threads in the Terrarium section of the forum, on general set up, and many with step by step photos of how people set up orchidariums:
Construction Journal: 40gal Breeder(with pics)
Orchidarium progress
Orchidarium Journal/setup photos included


Some others that I found in a quick search for 'natural' style tanks:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ew-member.html
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...age-heavy.html

That should get you started off!! You can also have a look through any of the thread at:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ium-gardening/

If you have any more specific questions, there are tons of people here who can help. I found hydroton on-line at a hydroponics shop, and I know that one of our members, Ray (Welcome to First Rays Orchids) has it available through his website as 'PrimeAgra'. Hopefully those threads will answer some of your other questions and give you lots of inspiration! Anything else, just ask!!

[cb977]

shakkai... You Rock!!!

Orchidophile...you're gonna love it! We want when it's done!

[Orchidophile]

Thanks for the awesome threads shakkai!!. I think I got it all figured out now, first I ordered some terra-lite from black jungle for the base layer and then I will put a sheet of landscaping weed mat to let the water through and keep the mix out of the terra-lite. For the back wall I think I will do like aquanut415 did and put pieces of wood on egg shell crate with the expanding foam spray stuff then do the silicon and coco to finish it off. And there will be plenty of photos!

[FinnBar]

i'm looking forward to seeing your photos!
good luck with your project

[shakkai]

I'm glad you found the inspiration that you needed! Can't wait to see those photos!!