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260 gallon Vivarium/orchidarium

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by Interdependence, Sep 26, 2012.

  1. Interdependence

    Interdependence Member

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    Protean Designs. The guy that runs the company is a good friend of mine. Highly recommend his work as he is very open to ideas and designs. Although I believe he only does wholesale these days.
     
  2. Cischweinerschnitzel

    Cischweinerschnitzel New Member

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    Oh sure, I remember them. His website still looks retail friendly. Link saved.

    I'm a former long-time reefer and dart frogger.. Currently stuck in an apartment. I think I could do a vivarium though... You've inspired me!

    I love big planted euro style vivaria, but sometimes they have so many planted walls and hanging vines and roots that I feel like I'm in an open grave. You did a nice job of capturing an "up in the branches" feel.
     
  3. Zack

    Zack Will work for plants Supporting Member

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    I just need to take this moment to give you kudos for your user name, Cischweinerschnitzel. I'm loving the plant geek humor.
     
  4. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    You hope that was humor!!
     
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  5. Interdependence

    Interdependence Member

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    So here's a few updated pics I took today. Amazing what 8 months of growth can do.

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1365123708.882790.jpg
     
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  6. Skam.79

    Skam.79 New Member

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    Hello, I am going to make my first Orchidearium. I have a question for you :) What type of basis on the bottom of the terrarium should I use? I am not able to recognize on your photos, what type of basis did you use. Would you be so kind to tell me what basis should I use? And one more question: Do you have some system for drainig water from the bottom of the orchiearium or does the water evaporate? Thank you for you time! Martin Skapa
     
  7. KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Martin, welcome to Orchids Forum.
    The original poster, "Interdependence" doesn't visit the Forum very often. You can use the search function here and see a number of discussions on vivaria, terariums, growing under lights, etc.
     
  8. goods

    goods Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    Martin, I'm unsure what you mean by basis. Are you referring to the substrate layer in the bottom? If so, I have had success with small fired clay (I'm not sure if you're in the US or not, but I use a product called Turface), but many things will work. Basically, you want something that won't break down because it will be where the water is stored, so that it does not saturate upper organic layers.

    I prefer to drill all of the bottoms of my tanks, so that water drains into some form of reservoir, but some of my older designs require me to siphon water out of the bottoms every so often. In my experience, the volume of water needed for misting is greater than what will evaporate out, but I may just mist more often.
     
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