Tropical terrarium setup

[GiacomoIT2]

Hi there,
i'm just bought a used, but in good state, 30 x 30 x 45 exoterra terrarium (11.8 x11.8 x17.7 for american guys ) and my idea is to set up a tropical enviroment:

Temp: 28-29°C (82.5-84°F)
Umidity: about 80%

As underlayer i'm think to use Orchiata (pine bark) and coconut fiber but everything some cm/in above the bottom to make water not be stagnant.

For the walls, inside, i've chosen Hygrolon (bought in France) to propagate moss on.

We have many PHalenopsis at home but never seen esotic orchids. Here large retailers just sell phalenopsis and cymbidium, and there are very few orchids shops.
Anyway my intention is to get miniature orchids and maybe some other plant like fern.

In few words, i really doesnt know orchids in general, much less orchids which can live in this conditions.

I accept every advice.

[estación seca]

Welcome!

There is a forum here for threads about terrarium growing:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ium-gardening/

There is a lot of information there. We hope to see photos of your terrarium.

[GiacomoIT2]

Hi there!
The project is going on.
I've found a florist in Varese, a city not too far, who sells only orchids. He will help a lot with the choise of the species.

I used hygrolon to cover the walls, I hope the moss will grow well on this material.
I placed 2-3 cm of expanded clay on the bottom and now i'm waiting for the plants.

I have an idea for the eletrical system, but i have yet to start connecting all cables with the tin.

[GiacomoIT2]

Originally Posted by GiacomoIT2

I have an idea for the eletrical system, but i have yet to start connecting all cables with the tin.

Temperature and humidity controls are online.

Last doubt is how many watts switch on.

3x 9W or 3 x 11W? Or 2 x 9W + 1 x 11W?

The surface is tiny, more or less 0,3 m2, 1 sq foot i think.
The first orchid will be set at not more than 10-15 cm from the lights and going down there is ever more shadow.

[toxoplasma_gondii]

I think you are really overestimating the amount of watts of lighting. I would go with an 11 or 13 watt LED light. I have a Jungle Dawn brand LED plant light and I'm very happy with it but I'm not sure those are available in Europe. You might find the Vivarium Lighting 101 page on the New England Herpetoculture site helpful. I tried to post the link but the orchidboard won't let me.