Orchidarium elevated space

[Uechi]

I am in the process of setting up my Exo Terra 24"x18"x24" Orchidarium. I have read and learned many tips from forum members. I plan on using plastic lighting egg crate as a platform with either Hydroton or lava rock either under or over the egg crate. If I use it under, I will use some PVC pipe slices for the crate to rest on. If I put the rock over the crate I plan on puting a piece of plastic screen over the crate before adding the rock. What I don't understand is why the need for an elevated platform with unused space under the crate? What is the rationale for not having the egg crate or what ever platform lying right on the bottom of the tank? Why the air space? If your tank has a fan and good ventilation why? I'd appreciate some answers so I can decide what's best.

[Tindomul]

Thats probably for drainage. A false bottom is what it sounds like, though I havent seen this. If you don't like it, you can remove, if you are going to have potted plants in there especially. Although it would make things easier when watering.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Uechi

I am in the process of setting up my Exo Terra 24"x18"x24" Orchidarium. I have read and learned many tips from forum members. I plan on using plastic lighting egg crate as a platform with either Hydroton or lava rock either under or over the egg crate. If I use it under, I will use some PVC pipe slices for the crate to rest on. If I put the rock over the crate I plan on puting a piece of plastic screen over the crate before adding the rock. What I don't understand is why the need for an elevated platform with unused space under the crate? What is the rationale for not having the egg crate or what ever platform lying right on the bottom of the tank? Why the air space? If your tank has a fan and good ventilation why? I'd appreciate some answers so I can decide what's best.

I can only answer with my setup (I can't speak for others). In my tank, the egg-crate material holds the pots and plants above the accumulating algae-filled slop water that is a result of constant misting and drippage. I don't want any of the plants sitting is this slop. I clean the whole tank out twice a year and sterilize with bleach to get rid of build-up. But in the mean time, the plants sit above all this on a platform that allows lots of air circulation. I do the same thing in my setup outside the tank. It's just easier to water and have the excess drain down below the grill. Just my two cents. It's not for humidity. That's the function of the automatic misting system.

[dravenxavier]

I can't speak for others either, but the egg crate serves as drainage by way of a false bottom in mine. I also use it for shelving, and for mounted plants, as well. You can see pictures of the setup here:

the new 75 gallon orchidarium

If you are using it as a false bottom, you don't need the hydroton, really...and vice versa. I like the cleaner look I get with the egg crate, as well as easy access to the water line if it gets too high for drainage. Unlike Ross, I don't clean mine out, though I can certainly see the benefit of doing so. It can get pretty unsightly, though I like the little bits of moss and other freak things I get growing in there after several months. Unless the water is touching the bottom of the pots, I just leave it.