Would like to set up a terrarium

[dafunk5446]

Hello, I just realized how amazing orchids are and I really want to start growing them. I was thinking of doing a terrarium. I have a extra 29 gallon aquarium (30 1/4"L x12 1/2"W x18 3/4"H) laying around would this be ok?. I have also kept nearly every commen species of gecko and other lizards so I know how to maintain humidity and temperature in enclosed enviroments. I would like to keep smaller hardy orchids so I can have a larger variety in the terrarium. Is this sounding like an ok idea? Can you suggest a few orchids that will survive in this sort of enviroment? Also for this size aquarium how much light would be needed? I have an extra 2x24 watt compact flourescent laying around as well as two everyday fish tank lights, if I retrofitted them into a hood would this be enough or to much? In terms of the set up of the tank what should I use for substrate? I would like to be able to plant the orchids so I do not want to have pots laying around in there. I love natural looking enviroments and cannot stand anything but. Can you give me some pointers on how to set this up, or provide a site with detailed instructions? Sorry for all the questions I have been searching the internet for these questions but I have not been able to find to many answers for my questions

[andy83]

Dendroboard - Your source for dart frog information.

That is a great website with a decent wealth of knowledge about vivariums. It's best to read up as much as you can before your first construction. There are so many different ways you just kind of have to do it whichever way will appeal the most to you.

Ludisia discolor does pretty well in a variety of conditions. I think there is a sticky in this section about which orchids do well in vivariums. Dendroboard is loaded with orchid-laced vivariums.

Hope that helps
-Andy

[dafunk5446]

K, I read a little bit on the site you suggested. Here is what I am thinking so far, I have a lighting hood that has two regular style bulb sockets and a flourescent socket. I found some 28 watt compact flour. that are 6700k that use regular screw in bulb type of fixture and a regular flour. bulb that is 18 watt I think. Sound ok for light so far? I was thinking of getting a couple of pieces of glass cut for the top, or should I just use a screen top? I will be putting a tokay gecko in here since he is the only pretty gecko I have that will complament the orchids. I plan on using a false bottom or egg crate and running a small hose down to the bottom to be able to remove any excess water. Would it be a good idea to use some aquarium filter floss (kinda like cotten) to prevent substrate from falling down into the egg crate? Then a layer of charcoal then substrate? Does anyone have an idea on how to hide this mess? also what would be a good all around substrate and how deep of a bed? I will most likely just be planting some ferns and maybe a orchid or two on the bottom. The branches will have airplants and orchids. I also have a fogger I will use to help increase humidity if needed.