Took The Exo Terra Plunge Too! - Orchid Board

gmdiaz · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 04:44 PM

Hello all,

Here are a few show & tell pictures: Aerangis Terrarium Project

I bought the 18 x 18 x 24 Exo Terra Tank and two of their light units.

Here I've added what hydroton pebbles that I had on hand along with the pvc supports for the floor. And have the back panel in place.

Floor panel in place. Threading the thermometer probe and the hygrometer probe through the panel. They slide into the top of the lamp.

Added a shelf and installed the small 4" fan around the shelf. I am HOPING that the fan will pull more humidity from below. . .we'll see.

My two new plants from Parkside are tucked inside:

The tiny Aerangis is hanging on the back panel in a tiny clay pot, down low, just above the shelf. This one arrived in really happy shape.

And the Draccula hirsuta is the tallest plant on the shelf, far right. Right now it's stressing. . .leaves with brown tips.

The Final Setup. . .ur, for now.

KEGinMichigan · #2 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 04:54 PM

Okay. Spill the beans. Where did you get yours? I'm looking to replace my orchidarium and this looks like very good replacement. Does the hood come with the it? Did you have to purchase it separately?

Thanks,
Kev

gmdiaz · #3 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 04:59 PM

Hiya Kev,

I bought the tank at PetsMart. . .and had to go to SEVERAL to find it and the two lights.

I think the tank ended up costing around 130.00, plus tax.

The light fixtures were about $20.00 each.

I bought the thermomenter & hygrometer on Ebay for less than half of the retail price. . .so about $15.00

I am really happy with it! Check out Exo Terra - Make Your Reptiles Feel At Home for specs on their products.

cb977 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 04:59 PM

That looks great!
I worked on mine today, shaving down the back of the backing that comes with it so more cool could come through...and then you show me this! That backing is a great idea...and I'm probably going to steal it from you

Kev,
The best pricing I found was Pet Solutions, although the shipping would have been a lot. Then, I found them sitting on a shelf at Petco, although they are not listed on their web site. I got the smaller one, 12 x 12 x 12.

They're great with the doors opening in front so you don't have to work in it from above.

gmdiaz · #5 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 05:11 PM

Hello Susanne!

I think the back panel is a good idea, too. . .it's all yours!

I want to be able to move things around to adjust for the most appropriate light levels. . .which I shall determine, just as soon as I can locate my light meter. *sigh*

I think the shipping would be a BIG issue with the larger sizes. . . and that's why they are not listed on the websites. I bet ithe tank would get damaged in route. There is some protective styrafoam in there but not enought to protect all that glass in shipping.

I think I might add another fan and maybe a misting system later. . . lol

cb977 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 05:13 PM

I've been checking out fans since yesterday, not a whole lot to choose from. I guess it'll just be a standard 3" fan.

Lagoon · #7 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 05:16 PM

Gwen,

Nice job on that, looks pretty cool!

I've got 3 of them for my tree frogs, had them for a couple of years now. The thing I really disliked about these models, is the screening on top, they are made very chinsy and failed within' 6 to 9 months of owning them.
Yes their are replacements but hopefully they are being made better today.

gmdiaz · #8 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 05:23 PM

Susanne, I think my fan is a Coralife or some similar name, for aquariums. I got that on Ebay too. It's very quiet. I'll post a picture of how the fan is attached to the egg crate shelf. Using this material has some definite advantages, I am finding.

Gloria: The screen top SEEMS well made now but then again, I don't plan to go into the tank from there , only occassionally, if at all.

And with the lights on top, it's not going to end up being a kitty hammock. . .a big issue at our house.

Ross · #9 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 05:28 PM

Gwen, on the Dracula. Mine is located further from lights than yours and has many flower spikes. Maybe the light's too bright? But then mine ended up with brown leaf tips for a few days but now is adjusted.

shakkai · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 05:32 PM

Wow, Gwen!! Great work! That looks fantastic! Your plants should be so happy.

Mine is actually 24" wide x 18" deep x 18" high - which works well for me as I have more 'floor space' to fill and not so much 'head room' which I don't need, as I have it open topped to allow the air to circulate.

Gloria, I don't know if the screen tops are any better than they used to be, but the one that came with this isn't all that sturdy - though it 'clicks' into place nicely. Alas, I'm not going to use it in any case.

Again, well done, Gwen!! Super job!