S/H Terrarium
 

OK, I'm jumping into this with two unknowns - I've never set up a terrarium before, and I'm doing so with inert components.

This is it so far:

• 3" of EpiWeb on the bottom
• 3" of fine PrimeAgra on top
• Carved lava rock waterfall for humidification
• EpiWeb tank back for plants to grow on

The structure of the EpiWeb supports the medium wonderfully, yet is open enough that a LOT of water is within it for the waterfall. No additional voids or reservoirs needed.

In so far are a couple of ferns, a couple of bulbo's, a few ludisia divisions, and a Haraella retrocalla. I also plopped a few clumps of moss in there to "seed" it a bit.

It's only about ten days old at this point, and the ferns and ludisias are growing and doing fine. No activity out of the rest yet.

Very cool project, Ray!
Please keep us posted about the progress...and some pictures would be great :photo:

:D

Yeah! I am also interested as I am still in the advanced planning stage of my "super terrarium" (48"L x 18"W x 36"H)

I used the EpiWeb as a base to keep the finer particles of PrimeAgra from getting into the waterfall pump.

In retrospect, I might have done well to put a small "standpipe" through the bottom to maintain a maximum water level, but I can see the water level through the glass, so can regulate it manually with no problem.

I'll try to get a few photos, but it's in the basement, and after crashing my motorcycle yesterday, my sprained ankle makes it hard to get up and down stairs.

Wow! Take it easy on that ankle, and we can wait till you are better for going up and down stairs.

Ray,

I'm liking the Epi-web as the back of my latest tank. Didn't think to use it on the bottom. I think you will be pleased with it in the terrarium. My tank bottoms are (now) always straight medium grade diatomite. I've used prime-agra as a base too, but i think the diatomite looks just a tad better. It looks more natural to me (there are a variety of colors of the rock).

The Epiweb is working great as a mounting material (ex vitro) as well.

Note to self: Need to order more epiweb...

Rob

Here's a couple of quick shots:

http://www.firstrays.com/Pictures/SH_Terrarium.jpg

and the PrimeAgra/EpiWeb interface as a close-up, so you can see the water level.
http://www.firstrays.com/Pictures/PA_over_EpiWeb.jpg

The photos are a bit deceiving, and the EpiWeb might as well be free air space.

There is absolutely no issue with drainage - the PrimeAgra layer is about 3" thick, and in those photos, is about 1/4 inch above the liquid.

As I said right off the top, I don't know the first thing about terraria, but the plants are all doing well, so far. The sundew in the center front started catching those fungus gnats in less than 24 hours.

In addition to the ludisias, there are a couple of bulbos in there, but it's quite cool in the basement, so I thing I may need to warm things up a bit for them.

I recently received and orchid mounted using this material and wondered what it was called and where it came from. Thanks!

Hi Ray,
I am reading and rereading all these threads so I can get myself started on a terrarium. I was hoping to use S/H so I am very interested how the last few months have been for your plants? Thanks for an update.
Linda

Ray, I'm curious how the EpiWeb as a substrate is working for you? I was thinking of using that as the bottom layer to reduce the weight on my tank that I'm planning to take to shows to showcase my misting systems. How is epiweb weight wise as compared to clay pebbles?

Hello, I am in the procees of having a orchidairum custom built. With the designs by me. I will post pics as soon as complete. The walls are going to be 1/4" lexan. 48"x 48" x 24". I think thats a good size for my mostly miniature collection.
Clay

Interesting... perhaps I too shall build an orchidarium... I made my plans with the intention of a box 6'x3'x3' LxHxD. Maybe too big? Nah! three ultrasonic foggers, four small fans, about 72 feet of angle iron, and too much glass to imagine! :biggrin:

Any new updates on this Ray?