Setting up a brand new indoor terrarium

[Wolfn]

I'm really excited. I just ordered about $250 worth of supplies (lights, pots, etc) and plants for a greenhouse-style terrarium.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the plants that will be seen in the terrarium:

Heliamphora minor
Cephalotus
Nepenthes glabrata
Pinguicula Techuran
Brocchinia reducta
Utricularia calcifida


Everything will be set up next week (when all the supplies and plants arrive)

 

[Wolfn]

Question: is a glass top necessary for the terrarium? I bought an empty tank at Walmart and it didn't come with a hood at all. I will be having Heliamphora and Cephalotus in my terrarium. Would a glass top benefit them or can I just place the lights right on top of the tank?

 

[Dexenthes]

This sounds cool!

For starters, yes, a glass top will help you retain humidity GREATLY. However,

From what I have heard, Cephalotus need good airflow, though I have yet to grow one. So do Heliamphora, to an extent. So having a sealed glass top would mean that you need a fan inside. But then, glabrata I believe, may be a Nepenthes that likes being quite moist, at least mine do.

Interesting mix of plants though!

 

[Yinepu]

You gotta post pics!!

 

[chibae]

Question: is a glass top necessary for the terrarium? I bought an empty tank at Walmart and it didn't come with a hood at all. I will be having Heliamphora and Cephalotus in my terrarium. Would a glass top benefit them or can I just place the lights right on top of the tank?

What works great for me is a fitted screen top with a piece of plexiglass over that. Two corners are cut out to allow my air tubes to go in them. My lights are suspended about two inches above the top. I use air lines running from a high power aquarium air pump to provide airflow. Humidity stays up, I've had no problems with rot and my cool growing neps and orchids are very happy in there.

 

[jimscott]

I have a plastic tent that fits over the light and tray.

 

[Yinepu]

What works great for me is a fitted screen top with a piece of plexiglass over that. Two corners are cut out to allow my air tubes to go in them. My lights are suspended about two inches above the top. I use air lines running from a high power aquarium air pump to provide airflow. Humidity stays up, I've had no problems with rot and my cool growing neps and orchids are very happy in there.

I never thought about using an aquarium air pump... I have several cattleyas which seem to be happy on the top of one of my plant shelves.. but it's something for me to keep in mind should I ever get orchids which are more demanding.... or if I ever get off my butt and turn my 75 gallon tank into a terrarium..

 

[Wolfn]

This sounds cool!

For starters, yes, a glass top will help you retain humidity GREATLY. However,

From what I have heard, Cephalotus need good airflow, though I have yet to grow one. So do Heliamphora, to an extent. So having a sealed glass top would mean that you need a fan inside. But then, glabrata I believe, may be a Nepenthes that likes being quite moist, at least mine do.

Interesting mix of plants though!

In regards to the glass top, I bought a piece of glass and cut it so there's a 2-inch gap when placed on top for circulation (The Savage Garden says a gap is important to increase air circulation)