Setting up A Custom Orchidarium

[Ross]

Originally Posted by RandiRae

I love your set-up. Where do you find the fiber backdrop? Is there a way to hang mounted plants to it? I have a 75 gallon horizontal tank and need something useful and pleasing to the eye to cover the back.

Also, is there an alternative to the mistking if I have many phals? I'd be nervous of crown rot. I need to do something cause my temps are nice but the humidity is always settling to 48-50% despite the fact that I have the bottom of the tank filled with 1/2 inch of water-soaked perlite and an aquarium 'bubbler' going 24-7. HELP!

Thanks for being such a great source of info!

R

The fiber backdrop is cocofiber mat available from hydroponics stores and the like. It's used to line baskets. Simply Hydroponics - Coco Fiber Mat

I don't think you need any higher humidity (in my opinion). The only reason I would set up a tank and go through all the rot and mildew and mold headaches is for plants that must have really high humidity. Mine is over 90% (close to 99% in the bottom) and I am constantly spraying for fungus, molds, etc. But my Angraecoids won't grow and bloom outside this environment. My Phals and other species, however, grow just fine at humidity as low as 38%. Blossoms come along right on schedule. You are correct that a misting system (of any brand) or a fogger will one-day possibly lead to crown rot. You could always mount your Phals like Susanne (cb977) does. It looks cool and there is no way water can lie in the heart of the leaf fan. Hope this helps.

[Gold3nku5h]

All silicone should be waterproof, and if not, the best type to use with both plants and animals is GE silicone type 2 or GE Silicone II. It is used exclusively in ANY type of aquarium setup for plants and animals. After it is done curing, it leaches nothing, and therefore is the best for use in aquariums with living things. Just letting you know, as im not sure of the plus and negitives of the RV Silicone.