Thinking of building a terrarium

[Kris]

Well as I contemplate taking down my reef tank I need something to replace it with. So why not a terrarium!

What I’m wondering is what are some ways to build a tank, the environment and what have you. I’m even thinking about building an environmental control system, but that will be later on. I have seen some all glass and some plywood setups. I would like to keep the cost of construction down as much as possible. Oh as well what are some good dimensions for the tank.

Kris!

[Tindomul]

I don't want to give you info you might already know. Do you know the basics? False bottoms, drainage, substrates.

What do you want to do? Just a terrarium, only plants, or do you want to put in a water feature? Backgrounds???

Thanks.

[Kris]

Hey, well I (now after going to an orchid meeting) would like to create a desk sized terrarium that is a cloud forest with small water feature. i would also like to create a biotope for some poison dart frogs that my girlfriend wants to get into. As for what i know I understand false bottoms and will probably go for that, and soils. What im really unsure of is if I do a wood structure with say glass inserts how do I seal it. What is the best lighting to use, would 70w metal halides do? Both setups will probably be run to a sump system where I can filter the water… So beyond that I’m not to sure what to do. Any help and input would be great.

thanks!

[daemondamian]

For some very good threads, photos and brains to pick I highly recommend the dendroboard forum [just google dendroboard] especially if you're thinking of keeping frogs because of course that is the focus there.
Regards
Damian.