ES and DC, last night I went back and read (and reread) a lot of material on terrarium building. You've both talked me down from creating a 2.5" sloshy layer of leca down to about 1.25". Thanks!!!!! I think you saved me from an ugly mistake.
I also went back and edited some of my earlier improper terminology in this post.
If this were a true closed-system wardian case type of setup, then I think ES's recommendation to use 0.5" would be spot-on. My system won't be entirely closed. I'll be adding new water periodically from overhead, I'll be running exhaust fans, and so I do think I need a little more water in case the drainage layer falls below my 1.25" level as things evaporate.
DC, you mentioned this...I do plan to using mesh over the 3" of leca, and then the actual substrate for planting on top of that.
I still have the question of algae. Ray's suggestion of Dawn detergent is helpful. However my situation is different from his terrarium. I would need to periodically introduce new soap and disperse it into the leca in the drainage layer. I haven't worked out how to do that yet.
I've read above people blacking out the drainage/false bottom area beside they say algae won't grow without a light source. That might work but I want to be able to see the water level.
Hmm. I'm still inviting some brainstorming on the algae issue.
|
Linear Mode
