Does anyone have a quatitative description of 'good' air circulation?

spiders_r_us · #1 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009, 04:10 PM

Hi all, I've been reading about air circulation in terrarias and vivarias but have not been able to come across a quantitative answer to a 'good' circulation within the tank. They all say '[i]good [i]circulation' is essential, but what is 'good'?

I see photos where there are one or two 12V CPU fans for 1.5'x1'x1' set ups. My terrarium is 4'x2'x2' and I would like to find out how feasible is it to have CPU fans to circulate air.

Cheers.

froggsong · #2 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009, 04:32 PM

In your situation, it might be better to go with a slightly larger fan. I have used the small metal desk fans that they have at places like Wal-Mart before in a tank. You can cover the outside with a knee high stocking and use the stand as a hanger. They are quite as long as they aren't dusty (and it won't get that way with the stocking over it), and they move air quite efficiently. You can even hook it up to a dimmer to slow the fan a bit. One on each end about a third of the way in and pointed at the front glass should work really well to keep the air fresh and keep the glass clear.

As far as a quantitative measure, I can't really give you that, but a qualitative measure would be if you see your plants gently swaying from the air current, then you have good airflow. You don't want them whipping around, just gently swaying.

Believe it or not, in a mostly closed system, a fan with actually even out the humidity throughout the tank, generally raising it. This can especially be achieved by having a fan blowing across a water feature or pond.

spiders_r_us · #3 (**permalink**) 12-25-2009, 10:14 PM

Thank you very much. Would the air circulation still be good if i tuned it down so it's just under 'swaying' strength?

froggsong · #4 (**permalink**) 12-26-2009, 12:16 AM

Sure. That would be fine too. Having it at swaying strength at least every now and then is beneficial to the plants, did you know that? I had better growth when I had a fan running at a higher speed in the frog tank (the same fan I suggested, actually).

spiders_r_us · #5 (**permalink**) 12-26-2009, 09:01 AM

Thanks again froggsong. You made the difference between a moldy and a non moldy terrarium.

Off topic question, does:
terrarium = plants only
and
vivarium = animals +/-plants?

Quote:

Originally Posted by froggsong

Having it at swaying strength at least every now and then is beneficial to the plants, did you know that? I had better growth when I had a fan running at a higher speed in the frog tank (the same fan I suggested, actually).

I wonder why that is? Better air circulation, the plants are responding to a windier environment by having stronger growth?