Masdevallia chilling in Orchidarium? - Orchid Board

Uechi · #1 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 09:40 AM

Does anyone have experience in keeping cold climate Masdevallias in a Orchidarium? It seems to me that it should be possible to create a cool microclimate in the tank by using some form of refrigeration, evaporative cooling or water chiller. I'm just curious if anyone has done this and if they have had any success.

cb977 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 09:55 AM

When I first bought my small Exo-Terra tank, it was specifically to try to grow some Masdies. I set up a grid wall in the back with enough space for an icepack (one of those frozen plastic blocks with the blue stuff in them)...which did indeed cool down the tank! Unfortunately, the Masdies I chose would have appreciated intermediate temps rather than really cool temps and I killed them

Just make sure you are aware of the temperature range the chids you're thinking of using

Uechi · #3 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 10:24 AM

Using a chill pack is a very clever and cheap solution. The problem is that you can't regulate temps very well. Even if you do your homework and get the appropriate orchids for the temperature range you want you can't insure any kind of temperature consistency. The other problem is that ice packs have to be constantly replaced as they thaw. Thanks for the reponse if it does nothing else it makes us all think of solutions. I hope I get some more responses. Regards and thanks again.

cb977 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-24-2009, 10:29 AM

You are quite right...I had two of the packs so they could be switched out. There was also the problem of them defrosting and accumulating a lot of water...cold water!

When I was working on that tank, we did have a few informative conversations here. Take a look through the Terrarium Growing forum, you might find some suggestions there

s1214215 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 07:23 AM

I have found some links here at this forum. Will post more for you later

My cooling unit - Carnivorous Plants UK

I saw this on a forum and Martin said he was going to try using one to cool his growing case.

Update 17/02/09. I have been contacted by Martin and he is going to post how he went with the method above soon.

oos: G-Cooler LC775 CPU Liquid Cooler Kit for Socket 775 CPU

Brett

s1214215 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 08:32 AM

I have this pic of a growing case that utilised a fridge with pipes and fans to cool the tank area. I cant find the thread it came from or what forum. Magnus, is it yours? I hope it is ok to post the fridge shot.

I think this unit was hooked up to a thermistat so it turned on and off as needed to cool the case to the correct temp.

If anyone can find the link, please post it.

Brett

Tindomul · #7 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 11:33 AM

This is interesting. I'l see if I can chime in later.

s1214215 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 12:22 PM

Oh hey. It may belong to Micholito on The Orchid Sources forum. I am trying to find this thead for you as it is an interesting method to cool a wardian case/thingy... Plus I want to reference whose idea it was and give credit where it is due.

Brett

cb977 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s1214215

Oh hey. It may belong to Micholito on The Orchid Sources forum. I am trying to find this thead for you as it is an interesting method to cool a wardian case/thingy... Plus I want to reference whose idea it was and give credit where it is due.

Brett

Thank you

s1214215 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 12:41 PM

Another link. I have PMed the owner of the thread for permission to post the pictures that wont open as I have them saved.

highland setup under construction - Carnivorous Plants UK

Brett