First Vivarium,need some people to confer with!

[diamond9]

Hey!im starting my first vivarium.The plan has been in my head for ALONG time and now im doing it, plan to have it to suit both orchids and poison dart frogs.

The tank im using is a custom made 55 gallon aquarium that used to house an entire set up of Chameleons.I plan to take my time with the construction so i dont rush it and have a valuable amount of time to consider all options, you know?I was first inspired by this tutorial:

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Im using this as inspiration and a guide.I have a good amount of driftwood, mainly cypress, and some mopani, and soon enough ill get more spray foam to finish the back (which will be finished with silicone that will be covered with coco-bedding before it cures to give the natural look...), with the water system which like in the tutorial will be a water pump bringing water over the wood.However now im double guessing myself and i need some help.

Firstly with temperature and humidity aspect of the tank:

I have a 33" fluorescent light fixture which im going to buy a LIFE-GLOW bulb, but will that be enough for sufficient heat and humidity?The bottom of the tank will have water, would it be the right choice to get a regular aquarium underwater heater to keep the water warm?And should i be looking into a 'fogger' or misting systems.I see alot of people with elaborate ways to separate the water and substrate, and im not sure what to do at this point lol.

Second, i have a screen that fits snug over the tank, but should i cover have with a glass panel, or make a custom fit glass top to completely seal the tank?

Third, im having trouble deciding how to layer the soil,substrate and gravel for part of the tank.What would the layering be to keep a layer of soil and moss warm and moist, but not saturated?And what kind of soil?

Thats all im having trouble deciding with, but as i said this is my first vivarium.Ive had iguanas, chameleons, geckos, freshwater, tropical and saltwater fish...but my main concern for this one is i want it to be able to contain itself well like a small ecosystem.

I have most of my plants ready, i have a good size orchid of Psychopsiella limminghei, and two Brassia Rex orchids already maintaining themselves in another tank until this one is ready, and i would want to get some poison dart frogs.


Ill get pictures up as soon as possible to help with the description.

any questions, feel free to ask, but hope you can help someone just starting!


-j

[Epiphile]

Hi diamond9, here are a couple thoughts:

Depending on the dimensions of this tank (you'd said custom, so I'm not positive as to the size), you may want to consider more powerful lighting, particularly for those Brassia, which I believe need stronger light.

How you cover the top will depend on desired humidity, your watering method and air circulation within the tank. I wouldn't set anything in stone (or glass, I guess), until you have an idea of how everything else is running.

Your substrate will depend again on your watering regime, and what you plan to grow. I'm a proponent of coconut-based substrates, but this is just my own personal preference. Generally mixes that do not break down quickly, hold some moisture and drain freely are desired.

Hope this helps you somewhat in getting started- looking forward to seeing it come along.