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Terrarium planning and advice

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by Zack, Jun 10, 2011.

  1. Jun 10, 2011 #1
    Zack

    Zack Will work for plants Supporting Member

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    I've been planning a terrarium for the past month or so, including contacting Glass Cages on getting a quote for a custom open-front. They weren't able to build my original specifications, so a friend of mine suggested I go big (as in 4'L*2'W*3'H). I'm worried about how unwieldy that might be when I move for grad school and said friend is off in Panama doing research for the summer. I can't use him as a sounding board, so here I am asking all of you :poke:

    I'd like to do an in situ style terrarium for growing higher elevation pleuros. I keep my A/C at 70 degrees fahrenheit, so I'm assuming the intermediate growers will do well in this hypothetical terrarium of mine (someone, please correct me if I'm wrong). As well, I'm worried about ordering a terrarium that large due to cost; I have a sizable budget, but I'd rather not spend 85% of it on the terrarium and stand itself. Not that I really need to remind all of you, but plants are expensive :bang:

    In summary, what I'm asking for is an opinion on terrarium sizing: how large of a terrarium could a college student set up given I will be moving in the next year or two? Any additional input and questions about my plans are appreciated. And sorry about the wall of text...
     
  2. Jun 10, 2011 #2
    Chris

    Chris New Member

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    Good lord how do you afford the electric bill keeping your AC at 70 in NOLA??? Do you live in a dorm? My electric bill would be in the hundreds of dollars for a studio in Austin if I kept my AC running that hard. 4' x 2' x 3' is big. For reference, my canopy viv is 36" x 18" x 24" High. Your big terrarium means a few important things:

    Expensive to light
    Expensive to fill
     
  3. Jun 10, 2011 #3
    Zack

    Zack Will work for plants Supporting Member

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    To be honest, my parents pay my electric bill >.> (but I don't think it's too much more than $110, perhaps I should ask them...)

    A/C bill aside, what dimensions would you recommend? I assume a long tank is better than a tall tank as far as lighting goes.
     
  4. Jun 10, 2011 #4
    goods

    goods Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    I know someone across the lake who's trying to sell a 45 gallon tank (I think). It's roughly 3' long and 1.5-2' tall... not sure on the depth.
     
  5. Jun 11, 2011 #5
    Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    4x2x3 is 180 gallons. That's a large tank. I'd love to have one that big in my living room.

    I'd recommend starting with a smaller tank. Something along the lines of 55 gallons. It'll help you understand the dynamics of tank growing, and you'll be better able to understand what factors need to be considered when growing in tanks. Then, after a little while growing in there, upgrade to a larger tank. A 55g tank is more easily moved, they're more readily available, they're 4' wide (which means a standard length for lots of fluorescent lighting products), etc.
     
  6. Jun 11, 2011 #6
    Zack

    Zack Will work for plants Supporting Member

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    I think starting small is the best plan. If it goes well, I can always do another. If not, well...at least I didn't order a custom behemoth. Maybe once I'm a little more rooted (grad school? PhD program?) I'll give said behemoth a go.
     
  7. Jun 11, 2011 #7
    Chris

    Chris New Member

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    Jon's suggestion is a really good one. 55 is so common that craigslist may be the cheapest way to find one.
     
  8. Jun 11, 2011 #8
    mrbreeze

    mrbreeze Anglican Supporting Member

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    Another tip would be to check with your local herp store or pet stores to see if they'll sell you their cracked/damaged tanks for cheap. I got a cool large cube type tank for like $30.