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Originally Posted by Leafmite
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Leafmite, thank you for your response! Joshfrogs was actually my first stop when shopping online and later their expert emailed me asking if I needed assistance. I explained my issue with the chunky Exo Terra fixture and they were going to get back to me. Nothing yet from them.
The Exo Terra fixture is just loo tall, overwhelms the little cube imo. It is the same fixture as I use on my 12x12x18.
On the other hand, the Zoo Med is much more compact and actually what I am looking for. Thanks for that! The dimensions show that fixture as 7.125 wide + rails so I’m thinking it could just sit on top of the tank without the rails? Not sure the rails are removable. That light is LED which I’ve not used before, 6500k could be a bit strong though I could manage some sort of shade cloth addition at the top. I really like the look of this light! I had planned to use glass or plexiglass at the top with an inch left open for circulation. I’ll see what I can do, I appreciate your suggestions, thank you!
---------- Post added at 08:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:50 AM ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by wisdomseeker
No Exoterras, but I do grow miniatures in similar sized enclosures (6x6x8 glass cubes). Managed to keep about a half dozen of these empty cubes from a retired fishroom (several years ago) when I was working with Betta channoides and Betta imbellis.
I figured I would put them back to use with some small orchids. Nothing fancy/no frills. I use a single Cree CXA1304 5,000K 95CRI LED (they are small & efficient cobs with about a 1/2" footprint, driven around 350ma with a forward voltage of about +/- 10 volts, mounted in a small DIY pendant fixture) for light. This light source has proven to be favorable for my plants (on-off via a timer ~ lights on for about 10 hours). Light sits on a glass pane that is directly on top of the cubes.
I keep a good 1" plus substrate of hygro balls covered with distilled water. I like tree fern (that's just me), so I
usually use these for mounts. A glass pane sits on top of the cubes, with about a 1" gap near the back for ventilation. Have not encountered any problems thus far (even with what I consider to be stagnant air) . Algae on glass and substrate is almost non-existent (might have to clean a little off the glass every 4-6 months, and maybe a quick rinse of the hygro balls if necessary).
Stays nice and humid inside of the cubes (usually mist my plants, or I guess what I should really say: dampen & fertilize the moss around my orchids about once a week). Might have to top off the substrate (hydro balls) about once a month or so. These cubes are a lot of fun, and require little maintenance and effort. Started growing Taxiphyllum barbieri on the bottom of a couple of my cubes (on top of the hygro balls) with good results. I will probably do this with all of them... I like the way it looks. Here's an example (photo below) to give a visual idea, if it is of any help.
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Wisdomseeker, WOW that is beautiful! You certainly have managed to reuse these tanks well. The glass top adds to the unique finished look.
I have looked at dome fixtures as well, not really loving the top of them with the cord but I’ve not ruled them out completely. Yours looks great! I just cannot go with the Exo Terra as it is almost goofy looking on a 8” cube.
Thanks for posting your picture, that is quite the little display and your plants seem perfectly happy!
Seems I’ve got a decision to make yet. Thank you very much!
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