Exo Terra - Extra Large Extra Tall

[Tindomul]

Hi all,

I have started a new project. I'm going to try to emulate my most successful terrarium build seen here:Old PIC

Exoterra Terrarium 12/2013 by César, on Flickr

My first step was to drill a drainage hole in the back. I did this first so that if it cracked on me I wouldn't have already done lots of other steps before. The reason I drill the drainage hole is because I like to use a false bottom method. I will place a white egg crate louver supported by pvc pipes at the bottom of the tank. Then I will place the substrate above that. That way water drains from the substrate keeping it moist but never soggy.

I'm kind of dragging my heels on this. It's the reason I am posting so you guys can egg me on and force me to keep working.

For drilling I used the diamond bit and a drill guide (first time for me). Let me tell you that was the best! Never had such an easy time keeping the drill in one spot. Nevertheless I did sweat bullets hoping it would not crack. Also when I started it, my wife called and told me I had to rush somewhere (don't remember anymore). So in fact it took me 30 minutes spread out over two days to drill the hole.

[estación seca]

I remember drilling a hole in a Champagne bottle.

[Pattywack]

Awesome! I would love to have a big Exo Terra, just don't have a good place for one. I spent years in the basement caring for my aquariums and I'm not doing that anymore. I want my orchids where I can enjoy them all the time. I have a 125 gal calling my name to fill it with plants but I'm ignoring it.

Good luck with your project, not sure you can improve on that last build but you might surprise me. I will definitely watch for updates. Keep going, can't stop now cuz you've got our attention.

[estación seca]

Get rid of the living room sofa and put the 125 gallon there. No more pesky visitors wasting orchid time. Two problems solved.

[ronaldhanko]

Is the hole and the plastic fitting in the bottom for drainage? I'm envious and you're tempting me to try one. Need something for some warm growing miniatures.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by ronaldhanko

Is the hole and the plastic fitting in the bottom for drainage? I'm envious and you're tempting me to try one. Need something for some warm growing miniatures.

The hole is on the bottom back panel, not underneath the tank. Though you can do it that way. But is easier to move on with a cracked back panel than a bottom panel if that disastrous calamity should occur.

Thanks guys for the comments.

[s.kallima]

Great job on the drilling! I wanted to do that too but was too chicken to try it on the ExoTerra after my first test ended up badly, although my test piece of glass (safety glass) was probably a bad choice...

[James O]

Looking at the big Exo Terra myself to stop the epic winter condensation my windowsill orchids throw out.

How's this coming along?

[Tindomul]

I've done absolutely nothing! But I did learn how to build a stand for it here:

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by s.kallima

Great job on the drilling! I wanted to do that too but was too chicken to try it on the ExoTerra after my first test ended up badly, although my test piece of glass (safety glass) was probably a bad choice...

Can't drill tempered glass.........