Took The Exo Terra Plunge Too!

[Ross]

There is a brand of spray paint called Testor's All Purpose Spray Enamel that comes in real small cans (3 oz.) that is totally waterproof. I used it on an RC sailboat once and it held up just fine in total submersion. I got it in a department store, but model stores should have it as well.

[Tindomul]

That looks awesome. I love it!

[malli252]

I don't know how you guys do it with the little ones. I have two exo-terra terrariums. The Large 18x18x24 and the x-large 18x24x24 and I'm totally out of space! I got the plants to packed and ended up with a rot problem, even with two fans in the really big one. Oops.

I've got the plastic mesh lining the back and sides to hang plants off of. Works well!

[gmdiaz]

Here's my solution for raising the humidity and creating dappled sunlight in my tank.

Sheet of waxpaper. . .layer of movable paper leaf cut-outs. . .another layer of waxpaper, on top of the screen top that comes with the tank. I had to do something lickity split because my dracula is getting spotty and burnt-tipped leaves. Must be getting scorched? *ACK*

[cb977]

Gwen...
every time you post a new pic, my shopping list grows...what's up with that?

Today, I have to hit the home improvement store for a new backing and then the art store for some cut out leaves and then....

In other words...
great ideas and I'll be stealing a few of them

[gmdiaz]

I see so many great ideas here! It's truly inspiring to read all the posts, but ends up also being kinda pricey.

I am TRYING to be frugal and use what's at hand, if at all possible.

Sooooo. . . I just cut the leaf shapes out of printer paper, free-hand. It's super easy.

But if I'd had any moola left after my last, just had to have one-more-orchid spree. . .

I would have gone to Walmart or a craft store to find some fake plants with various sizes of leaves. I'd take the leaves off the stems and lay them flat in between frosted plexi-glass. I'd ditch the "remainder" plant bits (ie FAKE blooms! Shudder) I don't think we need to go THERE!

You could even spray paint the leaves white. . .make it a little brighter and would probably look nicer too. I'd go for a few very thin coats of MATTE finish spray paint and really really be sure it's totally dry.

[shakkai]

Orchids and arts & crafts lessons! How much better can it get? Great ideas, the both of you! I'm definitely filing away for future reference.

[cb977]

He-he-he...are we a diverse group, or what???

[malli252]

Hey Gwen,
Since I'm a newbie to this forum take my opinion for what it's worth.

Draculas are super sensitive to water quality. I don't know if you're using RO water or just tap water, but RO water is best. Salts in the water will burn the leaf tips bad on Dracs. Also, if temps are getting to high. I hope this helps!

Rob

[gmdiaz]

Hi Rob,

Thanks so much for your thoughts!

I lucked out and started using RO water, not because I knew it was great for plants but because I was told it wouldn't leave mineral deposits on my pot rims & on the glass of my new tank. At home, we have well water with quite high mineral content. . .so that was a no go.

So I think my RO water quality is really good but I may be overfertilizing it & the light may have been too bright there at first.

I rinsed it throughly with the RO water to remove any extra fertilizer and have tucked it down in the lowest light area. I am now using only pure water. . .I sure hope to see some improvement!