advice and input on the build. - Orchid Board

jebbreid · #1 04-17-2014, 03:29 AM

Hello all, I'm looking for any advice,input, and experiences to help me finish my orchid tank. I have a tank 24" tall with foot print of 15x18. Right now my collection hangs on sponge corners and a branch, the branch will be replaced by a large, 8", cork "trunk", I'm planning on using 4 t5 24" bulbs for light, the tank has a 6" vent strip on the top, and I have a fan that will be mounted above it for almost constant air flow, I also have a misting system that i have never used, a monsoon system. I own hygrolon but haven't used it much, and was planning on covering most of the corner sponge pieces with it, no "wicking" reservoir just retention from the misting. planning on have inch or more drainage layer followed by abg mix,soil, that will have some small velvet leave philodendron as well as peparomia argyreia, another unknown peparomia, maybe hopefully some begonia, I would like to have a small "bog" area for my sundews. The rest are will all be mounted, they all seem to have new grown with their position in the tank, but I am looking for input, I am fairly new. The list of orchids I own for the tank are as followed.
Aerangis fastuosa
Ascocentrum pusillum
Comparettia speciosa
Cirrhopetalum (bulbo) japonicum
Barbosella dusenii
neofinetia falcata
masdevallia floribunda
pleurothallis grobyi
podochilus muricatus
sophronitis cernua
zygostates alleniana
possibly Dendro tanii
-peparomia rotundifolia.
I plan on having a hinged front door, a 4" circle vent in it.
All the orchids will all be mounted on the sponge/hygrolon corners, and the 8" cork tube in the middle. trying to get pictures uploaded, having trouble. but any and all input is greatly appreciated, I have a lot of time and thought into this but it is my first terrarium build of this nature. Thank you!

jebbreid · #2 04-17-2014, 03:30 AM

some of these may be taking off their mounts and remounted to save space, its not as crowded as it looks.

WhiteRabbit · #3 04-17-2014, 04:23 PM

Nice plants!

I can't answer your questions, sorry ...
I am sure some other members will!

jebbreid · #4 04-18-2014, 04:21 AM

Thank you! I hope some people have some input.

Paul · #5 04-18-2014, 11:14 AM

Though I have yet to try them, you might try LED lighting like those Ray (firstrays.com) sells. They would produce less heat than fluorescents and Ray feels he has had good results with the ones he sells.

Your desired "bog" area will likely best be accomplished by burying a tub/container of some sort in the area wherein the Drosera will be planted. I suspect it may prove necessary to have the rim of said container up to or even slightly above the rest of the tank media to prevent excess water from wicking out of the bog into the rest of the media. Some sort of cement/stone edging might help hide the tub's lip.

Is your fan for creating airflow across the bulbs to cool them or for the plants? If for the plants you may need more than one fan. You will likely want to direct a fan more downward or insert one lower in the tank to ensure the air in the lower reaches of the tank is not stagnant.

If one vent area is at the top, the one you install in the door should be at the bottom. This will enable air to be drawn into the tank as warmer air leaves out the top thus aiding airflow. I'd suggest doing a vent strip at the bottom as opposed to a circular vent if possible.

MrsSky · #6 05-29-2014, 08:17 PM

Please post pics once you start. I'm hoping to build a terrarium soon for my smaller begonias, jewel orchids and bromeliads.