Orchids that do well in terrariums.

[denvervet]

This particular forum was just what I needed to see. I am going to pick up a 120 gal. aquarium today and I am going to try to incorporate orchids in a turtle environment. The hard part will be making it so the turtles cant get to the plants.....but with a 4ftX2ftX2ft aquarium I have room to work. Only putting about 8" of water in it, should be doable.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by denvervet

This particular forum was just what I needed to see. I am going to pick up a 120 gal. aquarium today and I am going to try to incorporate orchids in a turtle environment. The hard part will be making it so the turtles cant get to the plants.....but with a 4ftX2ftX2ft aquarium I have room to work. Only putting about 8" of water in it, should be doable.

That is a reasonably spacious container for both your turtles and plants. In a strict sense this cannot qualify to be terrarium as the turtles need continuous circulation of fresh air other than a water body to enjoy floating and swimming and a rough-surfaced rounded rock to climb and dry themselves. Grow a few fresh water aquatic plants for the turtles to nimble leaving your terrarium section in peace. There is a thread on terrarium where in you will get a broad selection of plants including orchids. There are jewel orchids, equitant oncidiums(now known as Toulemena) compact growing Paphiopedelums with attractively marbled leaves, pygmy Cymbidiums et al. I am sure every one of us(especially those who love orchids) have a latent artistic talent. Give your own self a chance to express that hidden talent and others to blow a whistle on what a wonderous thing you may create!

[denvervet]

@R Srinivasan Now that I finally have the aquarium in my house its even bigger than I thought. Its pretty huge. I bought it used on Craigslist and have to reseal it first, there is a wonderful video on YouTube explaining how to do it, its just time consuming, not that hard at all... Once that is done we are going to design a background which will have rock shelves to hold the orchids so that the turtles can't eat them and a waterfall or two. I think I am going to take fans out of old computers for air flow. Gotta figure how to do that and get them running. I probably won't get any orchids for it until late fall and then if we have a cool Fall I will have to wait until Spring or see if anyone in the Orchid Club has any to sell. Thank you so much for your advice on which orchids to use, I really appreciate it. In future I will post pics, I might take pics of the whole process which might help someone else out with this type of thing.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by denvervet

@R Srinivasan Now that I finally have the aquarium in my house its even bigger than I thought. Its pretty huge. I bought it used on Craigslist and have to reseal it first, there is a wonderful video on YouTube explaining how to do it, its just time consuming, not that hard at all... Once that is done we are going to design a background which will have rock shelves to hold the orchids so that the turtles can't eat them and a waterfall or two. I think I am going to take fans out of old computers for air flow. Gotta figure how to do that and get them running. I probably won't get any orchids for it until late fall and then if we have a cool Fall I will have to wait until Spring or see if anyone in the Orchid Club has any to sell. Thank you so much for your advice on which orchids to use, I really appreciate it. In future I will post pics, I might take pics of the whole process which might help someone else out with this type of thing.

My dear you seem to have a terrible phobia of your pet turtles making a meal of the green line above the water mark in the terrarium. Most of these hand reared pets know their masters hand that feeds them regularly. Even fish in an aquarium move in the direction where the master's hand move. These turtles instinctively feed from a specific receptacle. Turtles prefer shredded spinach, carrots, cabbage etc. You be sure they will not move into the little forest of your terrarium. Finally a word of caution: ensure the terrarium garden will be entirely organic. Because there is a water body with live turtles avoid any chemical pollutants in the media even if it is a slow release fertilizer in prill form or plunge-in-sticks.

[denvervet]

These particular turtles eat everything in their path, that's why I am concerned about the orchids. Of course I wouldn't put anything in there that would harm them or the orchids, goes without saying. Turtles are also VERY strong and clumsy and will ruin orchid plants if they can get to them. Yes, this is a valid concern. Thanks for your feedback.

[yhlau_2003]

I am starting on my first terrarium, but I am concerned that algae may grow along the edges of the terrarium. Is there anything that you guys use to keep algae at bay?

Thanks!

[denvervet]

You can buy stuff at the pet store to subdue algae but I am not sure if its good for the plants. Algae doesn't hurt anything, in fact I think its beneficial to the plants in a terrarium. I am no expert though

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by denvervet

These particular turtles eat everything in their path, that's why I am concerned about the orchids. Of course I wouldn't put anything in there that would harm them or the orchids, goes without saying. Turtles are also VERY strong and clumsy and will ruin orchid plants if they can get to them. Yes, this is a valid concern. Thanks for your feedback.

I must accept your word for your turtle being a grinding mill and offer a way out. Barricade the planting area or have clusters of vertical rocks with pockets of medium to house your orchids. As turtles are webbed feet creatures, they may not have the proficiency of a simian limbs! Come on dear! Never say die! You are sure to have the joy of turtles and plants now that you have generously invested in such a large roomy aquarium.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by yhlau_2003

I am starting on my first terrarium, but I am concerned that algae may grow along the edges of the terrarium. Is there anything that you guys use to keep algae at bay?

Thanks!

If you cannot find an autoclave, you may sterilise the potting medium in a microwave in batches to take care of requisite quantity of medium. This method effectively kills spores of algae. There are safe algicides that also eliminate the problem. Normally algae is more associated with natural light, Glow-lux lamps should not present any algae worry. Try disinfecting the medium with mild solution of copper-sulfate. Never use water stored in open ponds for they bring along algae with them.

[denvervet]

@ R Srinivasan, thanks for the ideas. I like the idea about "pockets of medium". I never really said how big these turtles are, they are about 8" long and 5" wide and will grow to 1 foot. They are red eared slider turtles. Going to home depot this weekend to get some supplies to make a background with that wont hurt the turtles or plants. Should be fun? Not sure! Will let you know............