Steps I took to build my First Terrarium - Orchid Board

Tabbyblack13 · #1 09-23-2015, 11:44 PM

I wandered around this forum and the Dendoboard forum to get instructions on how to make a terrarium. These are the steps I took to make mine.

1) First step was to get all of the supplies. I used Great Stuff, plastic wrap, latex gloves, sandpaper, black aquarium sealant, caulking gun, paint brushes, sphagnum moss, and coco fiber to make the background. The substrate is aquarium tubing, LECA, fiberglass screen, coco husk chunks, and sphagnum moss. There are two driftwood pieces, sewing needle, needle nose pliers, and clear fishing line as well. I found the 18 X 18 X 18 tank on Craig's List for $80.

2) Since this was my first time making a background I didn't want to mess up my tank too much. So I did a little digging and found out that Great stuff wouldn't stick to plastic wrap. This also means you couldn't build everything in one shot. Also note that the side that is touching the plastic wrap will also harden a lot slower if at all while it's still attached to the plastic wrap. So after a day of hardening I had to remove it from the plastic wrap and place that side up for it to harden.

My first try to make the background sucked so I did a second one. If you are trying to make a background that looks like a tree (like me) start the first layer going up and down. After that hardens then do a second layer making the cuts and the bumps in the tree face.

After everything drys then you can carve out the design with an knife. If you find large air pockets then use more Great Stuff to fill them in. Also sand down everything place you are putting sealant on. The sealant will stick better when there is a rough texture.

3) Before putting on sealant, dry fit the foam to make sure it works. I had to trim down the sides on mine. I also made sure I could fit my driftwood into the tank with the background.

4) Brush on your sealant. I started on the back where I wasn't putting any of the coco fiber. Make sure you do this in a well ventilated area. There is a vinegar smell that comes off of this while drying. This stuff also sticks to everything. Don't wear clothing you like while working on this and use a trash bag or drop cloth to protect the surfaces around you.

When you get to an area that you want to put times into the sealant remember that you only have 10 minutes before a skin develops. So work in small sections and overlap the sections. Good practice is to wipe your brush off with paper towel when it gets gummy or full of fibers. Also put a lot of material on and push it in. You can get sphagnum moss to stick to this as well. Let it dry completely then shake off the extra. Inspect for bare spots and fix any you see.

5) Now to assemble everything. I took the aquarium tubing and laid about 3 inches on the bottom of the tank. Then I put in the background to cover it up and put LECA on top of that to act as drainage.

6) Cut to fit the fiberglass screen (aka Pet Proof window screen) and lay on top of the LECA.

7) Add driftwood and substrate (coco hulks, coco fibers, and sphagnum moss) to the bottom. Make sure that the driftwood is securely placed.

8) Add plants. From what I could find adding the plants into this is a lot like mounting them. So I added the moss, placed the plants, added more moss, and used the fishing line to tie it into place. I also tried to make sure that the line wasn't cutting into the plant. I also used the sewing needle and pliers to attach one orchid to the background.

9) Attach your lights, temp gauge, humidity gauge, misting system (This one is an exo terra Monsoon system).

Notes:
The Great Stuff is really sticky while wet, use gloves. If you get it on your skin, use acetone or rubbing alcohol to get it off.

The silicon gets everywhere and I swear if you don't watch it carefully it spreads like grease.

I have a heating system under my tank. Put in on first and use a temp sensor to control it.

Watch your pets around any of this stuff. The dog tried to walk through my background while it was drying. Then the cats tried to steal my plants while I was working on setting the tank up.

I am trying to get pictures added but my internet connection sucks right now. I'll see about adding them from my phone.