Help needed before taking the decision of buying/building a terrarium/vivarium

[kavanaru]

Since long ago, I have been playing with the idea of having a vivarium in my flat. After reading several threads here and watching so many pictures of so many great terraria/vivaria here, I have seriously started to play with the idea to buy/build one for my orchid (I am just looking for a new excuse in order to buy more minis with high humidity needs ). First I thought of the possibility of going for a cool/cold box, but it seems to be more complicated than what I want... so, I decided that if, it would be a warm one (I have an average temp in my apartment of 70-80F, and so far I have understood, the temp in the box would be slightly above it)

then I thought of making it simpel and buying a wardian case, but to be honest I do not like the look of them. This is what I have found in switzerland (sorry, only in german, but you can see the pics) Terrarientechnik - Orchidarium Orchidarium, 70x40x95 cm, zzgl Lichthaube (13 cm) OV01 ...but, as far as I know myself, 27 x 16 x 37 inches would qquickly become small, and if we keep in mind I would have to pay $1500 for it... hhhmmm...

so, I jumped on the next option: buying a terrarium and convert it into a nice vivarium. the candidate: Terrarientechnik - Standard Terrarium 120x60x100 LTST12060100 47 x 24 x 40 seems to be more realistic for my plans (and would match better the spot where it would be place)

so, here my question:

what exactly would I need in order to have it working and being suitable for orchids?

1. 2 ventilator: one blowing in and one blowing out? would that be enough or would it be necessary to add two more?
2. misting system or air fogger? if Fogger, what are the best options?
3. T5 tubes (2 4000 and 2 6000K)? or would it be enough with one of each? can they be placed directly on top of the terrarium or would need to be suspended? what would be the range of temps expected in the terrarium with both option?
4. How do you fertilize your plants?
5. How long can you leave the terrarium unattended, while on holidays?
6. Is there any especific points I should put especial attention to, which I have forgotten to mention aboce?

I know these are so many questions at once, but is all what went through my head when thinking about this project...