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Cool vivarium - IT'S DONE!

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by orchidkarma, May 9, 2010.

  1. This_guy_Bri

    This_guy_Bri weirdo

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    yes please!
     
  2. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Ok... time for a photo update. I am quite pleased with how the viv is performing!! :D It is starting to fill in a bit and there is a lot blooming. I will have a lot more plants coming from Peru and Ecuador to the Orchid Show in Sweden in September too... fun times!!

    We've had a warm summer here in Sweden, so I actually installed a small portable air conditioner to help cool the viv. Works like a charm! More on that on my blog.

    If you look at this photo on Flickr instead I have put up tags on the photo labeling the orchids in it. I am going to study the placement of all the orchids now in a little bit more detail and perhaps move them around a bit to the optimal place in the viv. The left side is dryer than the right and it is about 2-3 degrees warmer in the upper half compared to the bottom. I have not had time to do this properly before but I finally have some time now on my vacation.

    afarm5.static.flickr.com_4095_4815128614_68d6c87c43_b.jpg
     
  3. Ann

    Ann Beadin' fool

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    Oh, my, I love that thing! Excellent work. Now I need to check out the other things you posted. Wow!
     
  4. JonP

    JonP all that Supporting Member

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    Man, that is SWEET! Great job! I'm totally jealous...
     
  5. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Thanks a lot! :)
     
  6. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Time for another coolviv update...

    In recent weeks I have worked on various upgrades and adjustments on the cool vivarium... Now it is done and I am very happy with the results. So here is an updated picture of the viv now... I have replaced my four 80 mm fans with three new fans, Scythe Gentle Typhoon 120 mm1850 rpm - absolutely awesome fans!!! I've also added six more nozzles for the rain system, and a new pump that can operate more nozzles than my original one (I have 14 nozzles now). However, it is a bit of a domino effect (just like in nature) when you change things in my little Swedish cloud forest... so the new fans affected my fog... so I had to figure out a new solution for the intake, but it worked out great too. I also took the opportunity to install a humidistat which controls the humidifier while I was at it. Lots of little adjustments here and there, but it is all part of the fun. I loooove this viv!! :)

    Here is a photo as it looks now. Check out the blog for a detailed explanation and lots more photos of the recent updates... or check out all the posts on the build here.

    afarm6.static.flickr.com_5048_5214180895_a99199dec3_b.jpg
     
  7. Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Congratulations! Wish it were in my living room.
     
  8. Alexis

    Alexis New Member

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    It's a masterpiece, Karma!
     
  9. Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

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    Marvellous! I can relate to the domino effect. I experience similar changes in my sANGtuary (Mr. Breeze's name for my orchidarium) :)
     
  10. Karen

    Karen Species nut

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    It's totally amazing!
     
  11. Mary Jane

    Mary Jane New Member

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    Fantastic!
     
  12. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Thanks a lot everyone!! :D You have seen the progress of this one so you know all the work that has gone into it... but I am so very, very pleased with how this huge build has turned out. Everything works so well and all the orchids in it are thriving.

    Can't say I blame you Marni. Although I am a bit jealous of your greenhouse too...

    Mmmm Morabeza..... sANGtuary... what better name for it?
     
  13. Uluwehi

    Uluwehi angraecoids, dendrobiums and more Supporting Member

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    Karma I am thrilled for you! It is so satisfying to have it working so well and looking so grand. I have never been so pleased with the growth of my orchids as I am now with my own 'vivarium'. Tonight whilst watering mine and delighting in it all I was also thinking about how fantastic yours is and how much work you have put into it. You are only beginning to reap the fruits of your labours! It can only get better, yeah? :D
     
  14. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Thank you very much! :) Yes, I do feel like this is only the beginning of a great journey. Good thing I finally got a new DSLR (yesterday) so I can document it properly. :)
     
  15. Pook

    Pook Disneyed

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    You've done a fab job! I'm so jealous!!
     
  16. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Thanks!! :D
     
  17. Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Put that puppy on wheels and take it to shows. Excellently done!
     
  18. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Thanks a lot Ray! Wouldn't that be quite a sight... this HUGE thing on wheels I mean. ;)
     
  19. Posey

    Posey New Member

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    Super nice!!