125 Gallon Terraium with 10 gallon aquarium

[wespastor]

Originally Posted by Epiphile

I think it might be a different one- there are at least two plants going under that common name in the aquarium hobby (Hemianthus micranthemoides and Micranthemum umbrosum), but I believe he was referring to Helxine soleirolii initially. Mind you, either of the first two might do just as well if not better depending on how damp the tank is.

Baby tears (Helxine soleirolii) is the plant I will be using in my terrarium.

I will be working towards a well drained but moist soil that may be drier than many vivariums I see here on this forum. But the soil will be at least moist but not damp. Here would be a good test. If I were to place some on brown paper towel the towel would show signs of dampness but not get soggy. Unless of course I just finishes watering/misting. The watering method will be to mist the plants rather that to water at least in general.

[Epiphile]

On that subject, have you given thoughts as to what you'll be composing it from?

[wespastor]

The soil mix will be composed of 1 part peat: 2 parts leaf loam: 1 part soil conditioner.
the soil conditioner is kind of like kitty litter but will not clump like that. I will post pics later on about that. I don't have my camer out nor am I ready for that part yet any way.
But the package read: Schult Multi-purpose Soil Conditioner. Add to all soils and potting mixes for improved drainage and moisture retention.

I used it before in planted aquariums with great results -- your mileage may vary.

[Epiphile]

That's right- you'd mentioned the consituents of your mix already. My bad. So is the soil conditioner sodium bentonite or something similar?

[wespastor]

Originally Posted by Epiphile

That's right- you'd mentioned the consituents of your mix already. My bad. So is the soil conditioner sodium bentonite or something similar?

The Package says 100% Arcillite

[wespastor]

BTW -- no such thing as a stupid Question

[beckdg]

on the contrary wes... i have a LOT of stupid questions stored up, lol. i just keep them to myself. i do appreciate everything being brought over to this thread though. if this is to be your build thread you will encounter them again anyway.

[wespastor]

Originally Posted by beckdg

on the contrary wes... i have a LOT of stupid questions stored up, lol. i just keep them to myself. i do appreciate everything being brought over to this thread though. if this is to be your build thread you will encounter them again anyway.

Yeah this will be my build thread.

It is far easier to deal with stupid questions than the catastrophy created by the question not asked.

[wespastor]

Continued Planning:

So these are the bulbs I plan to use in the cheap/easy to obtain shop lights in my DIY light hood:

2 - Coralife T12 Nutri Grow Plant 40W 48 Inch --- on 30 minutes later
2 - Flora Sun T12 Maximum Plant Growth 48 Inch --- on 30 minutes earlier
1 - GE T12 Sunshine 40-Watt Fluorescent 48" Bulb --- on 30 minutes earlier
1 - GE Daylight 40-Watt T12 Fluorescent 48" Bulb --- on 30 minutes later
Or somethig like this ...
These will be paired on timers to allow for a sunrise and sun set and this period will change with the season naturally. So that the longest photo period will be 14 hours during the lonest days of the summer months and 10 hours during the shortest days of the winter months.

Any comments are eagerly welcome

[phoenixflames44]

I noticed your question about the acrylic paint was neglected... what I suggest is doing a controlled test on some cardboard or something like that. I do not know the answer to your question, but you can always break new vivaria frontiers by experimenting with it yourself.