Need help, building a growing space...

[CodiMN]

Hello!

Finally we have decided to build an orchid growing space (nothing fancy/expensive).

I have found a few online plexiglass dealers, etc. But have some questions.

If you have built your own growing space how did you:
--decide on size?
--create an accessible front door?
--build a hood/light on top? Is it supported by the plexi or did you hang it another way?
--use grates from light fixtures for your base?

Many questions, but any ideas would be great!

Thanks so much!
--Carolyn

[kevin]

Carolyn, here's a link that should help give you many ideas. Vivarium Top Sites - Rankings - All Sites If you have any questions feel free to contact me. I'll be glad to share my ideas and experiences with you. I've always got a prodject going on wardian cases,vivariums,etc.

[Ross]

Are you interested in terrariums or indoor "greenhouses" (ie, larger growing spaces?)

[CodiMN]

I don't think I need a free-standing growing space yet. So I was thinking something more like a terrarium, but with only orchids (kind of like an orchidarium, but without the price tag).

[Ross]

There are a few threads under http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ium-gardening/ where folks discuss retrofitting aquariums both as Vivariums with animals and as Orchidariums (Terrariums) for orchids. Try this one Retrofit Aquarium - An Update

Let me know if I can help. By the way, this is for minis only. If you want the bigger growing orchids you might try buying one all ready to go orchidarium.com

[Magnus A]

Hi Carolyn!

I am just building a growing area for my orchids in plexiglass. Here is a pictue


This is my "planning":

--decide on size?

I decided were in my apartment I whanted my orchidarium and built it as large as I could afford, both size and cost. In my case 120 cm high 125 cm wide and 60 cm deep. Plant comes fast and the get bigger not smaller with time . Therefore I did build bigger than I now think I need.

--create an accessible front door?

I made the front door in one piece (8 mm thick) and used acrylic hinges at the bottom. The orchidarium is located on a cupbourd so the door stay clear from the floor.

--build a hood/light on top? Is it supported by the plexi or did you hang it another way?

I made the side extra thick (10 mm) to support the weight of the top. The back supports rigidly and even the top and bottom of the front. I made the lightcabinet in medium density fiber board (MDF) and it is quite heavy.

--use grates from light fixtures for your base?

have not come so far jet. Bit I have built a background in epiweb an teak-wood. The background is not finished in this picture.


/Magnus

[Djarum Black]

Hi Magnus,

That is very COOL! I am actually very interested to know how sealed your plexiglass pieces together. What did you use? Please tell me your secrets! I have problems in this area when working with plexi glass and sealer, even with support. My edges always buckle.

[Magnus A]

Hi Djarum Black

There is a problem with plexiglass, almost no adhesive stick! I used GOOD VENTILATION and dichloromethane that disolve plexiglas. I fabricated a corner of three sheets of MDF and used this as a guide to bond two sheat of plexiglas together, moved the guide around and added one sheet of plexiglas at the time.
The problem is that dichlorometane is extremly volitile and the solution evaporated very fast . You need to disolve the surface of the joint to bond them together. There is commersial emulsion for joining plexiglas, I suggest you find one instead of making one yourself.

I plan to publish some more pictures later next week in a separate post.
/Magnus

[Ross]

Probably the best adhesive for structural applications with acrylic (like Plexiglas) is Glue and silicone sealant for Aircraft Windows the #40. This is used by several tank fabricators and meant for extreme conditions. Not cheap though.

[CodiMN]

Magnus! this is lovely!
I have gone to several stores in the area to find what "in stock" sizes of supplies they had. Ran into someone that suggested checking out a wood working store to find some track that I could use to create a sliding door, but now I'm thinking that would create more problems than solve now that I see how nicely your hinges look.

Could you provide more pictures of how you set up your lighting on the top? I just love this! It's so professional looking!

I'm still having a tough time finding muffin fans though...any ideas?

Great to know about the adhesive/sealant. I have been pricing silicone and aquarium sealant products. ROSS--the silicone sealant you used, was is easy to apply? Any tricks?

Thank you thank you thank you! I'm getting more and more excited about this project! I'm looking forward to building what I want, and NOT spending a fortune for it!
--Carolyn