Need Help In Building Terrarium

redhead · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 09:04 PM

Hi, I need some help in building a terrarium using a large octagon shaped aquarium,I will be growing mostly orchids in it . Any ideas will be welcome.

Tindomul1of9 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 09:22 PM

Do you have any ideas on how you want to landscape it?
This sounds like a great way to try Semi hydroponics culture. You would have the substrate be about 7 inches of LECA/Primeagra/Aliflor, and plant the epiphytic orchids in it.
If you want to use a background, you can add drift wood so you can mount some more epiphytes to it.
I would include a pond so you can control the water level, or drill a drainage hole so you water level never goes up too high. Check to make sure your tank is not tempered, otherwise you can't drill.

redhead · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 10:15 AM

Thanks for your great ideas, since I'd be growing orchids would I need fans for air movement?

Marty · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 03:21 PM

I'm sure slight air movement wouldn't hurt. Remember that growing orchids in terrariums is quite tricky. Plant might be dying in one place and thriving 3" away. Placement of the plants is the absolute key.

Pavel · #5 (**permalink**) 08-12-2006, 01:39 PM

For most orchids air circulation is going to be important. Very few thrive in stagnant conditions. PC fans are cheap and work quite well