Building an Orchidarium

[Crew Chief]

I am new to the OB and have read the info concerning building an Orchidarium. I live in a State with little humidity during the winter and I'm interested in making one with plexiglass, but big enough for what I perceive my needs might be about 48"X48"X24" with side doors, (2) 4' light fixtures, muffin fan, mist system and automatic light and humidity controls. I would like this to be a focal point and showcase for my orchids. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions before I proceed. Thanks

[Ross]

Be very aware that acrylic (plexiglas is a brand name) will warp even with reinforcing. The doors on mine are only 14"W x 23.5"H and have several 1" wide reinforcing strips. The acrylic is 1/4" thick. The doors warped right off the bat and I broke off the latches soon after. I had to make new latches out of heavy plywood. There is no way to stop the warping and a tank as large as you propose will be a real problem. I suggest a couple smaller tanks side by side. At least then you can set different growing conditions. Good luck and keep us informed as you proceed.

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by Crew Chief

I am new to the OB and have read the info concerning building an Orchidarium. I live in a State with little humidity during the winter and I'm interested in making one with plexiglass, but big enough for what I perceive my needs might be about 48"X48"X24" with side doors, (2) 4' light fixtures, muffin fan, mist system and automatic light and humidity controls. I would like this to be a focal point and showcase for my orchids. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions before I proceed. Thanks

Hello fellow Mainah!
Have you thought about looking around for a used aquarium? A 55 gallon size is close to your needs. 48" deep might be a bit hard to maintain. Don't know if you can find a weekly publication called "Uncle Henry's" up your way but there are always aquariums listed in it for very little $$. I've also seen a lot of them at yard sales. Even new 29's at Wally World are reasonable. (a bit smaller than your dimensions but more practical for a 'first timer'.)
My 29 gal. is curreltly in storage but someday will be put to this use.
Al from the Central Maine Highlands

[dave b]

What kind of orchids do you now have, or will be putting in it.

The lights you mentioned sound like flourescents. If so, the light will only be strong enough if the plants are within 6" to 1 foot of the bulbs. If your dimensions are 48" high, you'll have several feet where the light intensity would be too low.

[Crew Chief]

Ross...What about tempered glass?

[Crew Chief]

Bird Song farm.....Eh Yeah might just look in Uncles. Maybe I should try 2 smaller ones, one for warm and the other for cool growing

[Crew Chief]

Dave thanks for the suggestions concerning light requirements....I don't know which orchids I'll try but my wife believes it will be filled

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by Crew Chief

Bird Song farm.....Eh Yeah might just look in Uncles. Maybe I should try 2 smaller ones, one for warm and the other for cool growing

Sounds like a plan at least until you get some experience under your belt and see if you can make 'em work. Keep in mind you are creating an ecosystem just like an aquarium and orchids are a bit more expensive than most tropical fish. LOL
Al

[Crew Chief]

Hey Al just saw the Central Maine Highlands, I own a house in Sebec that my son,daughter-in-law and 2 wonderful granddaughters live in. I even work in D/F sometimes. I live at Big Smith Pond, near Kahtadin

[Crew Chief]

Al as long as you don't tell my wife about the cost I should do well