Tutles terrariums

[Turtle]

Hello all. I'm opening this thread to share what I've done so far (or plan to do), and also to begin a thread to use for future updates and question.

Feedback and suggestions are most welcome!

My first project is a 35 gal hexagon terrarium.
I used to keep some fresh water fish, and after months of sitting empty, I decided to clean it out and turn it into a display for a few orchids. From the original setup, I have kept the lid (has about a 3-4" wide strip of open space along the back panel), the undergravel filter (I figure this will make a great base for a dry well setup, and one of the filter air pipes. With the pipe I believe I can refill the water in the dry well using a watering can without splashing anything directly on the flowers/foliage/roots.

I have replaced the 15" flourescent hood (I couldn't find a 15" full spectrum tube at the local shops) with a CFL hood that uses screw in bulbs, which are easier to find in varying intensities. I have covered the filter top with some black polished stones (although I think I need more just to dress the layer a bit.). I have also wired an 80mm variable speed computer case fan to an AC adapter that I can hang inside for circulation. Right now the metrics are holding at about 70% humidity (compared to my 46% room humidity), and 75 F during the day, and high 60's at night. This is without the fan at the moment; I haven't made a hanger for it yet.

I also plan to wrap the back half in aquarium background (probably simple black) to dress it a bit.

The other is a 48 gal tall aquarium.
This one I plan to leave open top. I don't have a good hood or fixture for it, so I'll build an framework across the top and install a ballast for CFL tubes. I'll be able to house a wider variety of plants in this one. It will also be set up with case fans (90mm) and a dry well for humidity.

I'm still selecting plants at the moment. Some common breeds are top of the list; paphs, phals, cattlenya, phragmapedium. I'm a bit concerned about spike height though. I may have to keep myself to compact/miniature strains. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I have about 20" from surface to lid to work with.

[Turtle]

Just wanted to post a pic of what I've gotten done so far. Glass needs a cleaning off after all my fiddling, but here's the 35 hex.

I've a few more 'chids on the way that will be going in here including some mounted ones. The white Phal. Timothy Christopher up front will be mounted as soon as blooming is finished as well.

[Akhenaten]

But phalenopsis don't need in terrarium
Grow some most capriciouse plants

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by Akhenaten

But phalenopsis don't need in terrarium
Grow some most capriciouse plants

They do in my house if they want to survive the cats.
Also, Texas gets pretty dry and hot.

[Zoi2]

Oh, that's very nice What's "a few more chids"??
Joann

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by Zoi2

Oh, that's very nice What's "a few more chids"??

=4

[rtsingleton]

Can you give me specs for the lights you are using? I know CFL but as far as wattage and such...

[Turtle]

Originally Posted by rtsingleton

Can you give me specs for the lights you are using? I know CFL but as far as wattage and such...

26W fixture w/ a Repti Glo 2.0 CFL. I believe those run full spectrum @ 6700K.
Distance from light source to tank bottom is approx. 22"-23".

The site also receives a little bit of ambient light from east facing french doors, but probably not enough to make much of an impact.

Anything else you'd like to know?

[rtsingleton]

That's it for now but I'm definitely going to keep up with your project because I hope to make one

[Turtle]

Oh, and the lights are timed on cycle 14 hr on, 10 hr off. The orchids have not been in there long enough for me to really evaluate if that's too much or too little.