Phyrex Posted February 18, 2004 Report Share Posted February 18, 2004 I will get my first CP soon and won’t re-pot them immediately of course but I’m already trying to figure out the perfect terrarium setup so I was hoping you guys can help me a bit. (I’ve ordered The Savage Garden but it’s still not in yet and I have no idea if this kind of information is also in that book.) I’m quite familiar with what type of ground and water I should use. However I’m still a bit clueless about heating, humidity, drainage and lighting. Assume I get one standard 60x30x30 tank, what would be a good setup for that? Schematics, photo’s, Etc.. are all very appreciated. For example: 1) What different type of layers should there be? I’ve seen some with Perlite on the bottom, followed by the normal mixture of peat/sand. But what about drainage? Should every Terrarium have a pump? If yes, how to arrange it in the setup? 2) What amount of lights are needed above the described tank? Of course the same length but 1 or 2? And what wattage? 3) Heating... Absolutely needed or do the cool white lights generate more then enough warmth? Maybe even too much? If so do I really need a cooler... *Hhmmz...* 4) When you reach the optimal heat level, will there automatically be enough humidity or do you need to perform some sort of special ritual or something to make it perfect? ^^ Can’t think of more possible problems at the moment but I’m sure there are many more so any additional information is appreciated. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aidan Posted February 18, 2004 Report Share Posted February 18, 2004 Without knowing which plants you wish to grow your questions are very hard to answer. The plants all have differing environmental requirements and will determine light/temperature/humidity levels for your terrarium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phyrex Posted February 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2004 Ah yes of course. Well in that case... a mix of standard species. Let's just say one D.Muscipula, D.Capensis and S.Flava. (Maybe not the Sarracenia though) In this case; which species don't go well together in the same conditions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odysseus Posted February 18, 2004 Report Share Posted February 18, 2004 Hey Phyrex! You are right about the S. Flava. Unless it is a young seedling it won't fit in a terrarium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phyrex Posted February 18, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2004 Hehe ya that too. :clubbed: It could grow through the opening on top first but then you have the lights above causing a problem. (Sunburn?) ^^ Anyway, my first post questions are still open. Anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TroJon Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 None of these species even needs a terrarium... Just keep them on the sunniest windowsil you have, in a pot, sitting on a saucer, and when it starts getting cooler, put them outside and let them go dormant naturally etc. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Ahrens Posted February 19, 2004 Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 "will there automatically be enough humidity or do you need to perform some sort of special ritual or something to make it perfect? ^^ " The whole set-up will only work when the moon is in conjunction with Mars and Saturn. You'll need to attend the Druid's ceremony at Stone Henge on the 21st of June. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phyrex Posted February 19, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2004 21st?? Dang I can't at that date. Anyway, still not a single question answered. :? I'm sure they are n00b questions but c'mon they shouldn't be that hard to answer? :poked: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odysseus Posted February 21, 2004 Report Share Posted February 21, 2004 1) What different type of layers should there be?I’ve seen some with Perlite on the bottom, followed by the normal mixture of peat/sand. But what about drainage? Should every Terrarium have a pump? If yes, how to arrange it in the setup? I suggest for ease of maintanence and dormancy requirements, you start with a greenhouse style terrarium. That means: All plants in individual pots, and if you choose you can place those pots in water trays of distilled water. If you skip on the water trays make sure you keep the plants watered when they need it. But, for simplicity I suggest you stick with the water tray method. Those plants you purchased can all thrive on the water tray method. 2) What amount of lights are needed above the described tank? Of course the same length but 1 or 2? And what wattage? With D. Capensis and Flytraps they should all be happy with at least 3 or more compact flourescents all 23w or more. The minimum light wattage I have ever grown these under was 50w. But my plants are all MUCH happier with 80w or more! (Most enjoy more) KEEP YOUR SARRACENIA OUTDOORS IF YOU CAN! They love lots of sun. 3) Heating... Absolutely needed or do the cool white lights generate more then enough warmth? Maybe even too much? If so do I really need a cooler... *Hhmmz...* With the lights above your tank and if your room temperature is at least 20c then you shouldn't have ANY trouble giving the plants the temp they enjoy. Don't worry about alternative heating unless your room temperature can drop below 4c. 4) When you reach the optimal heat level, will there automatically be enough humidity or do you need to perform some sort of special ritual or something to make it perfect? ^^ Don't do anything. The heat from the room will be enough. If your plants are all watered or even in water trays the humidity will be fine. Don't mist your plants with distilled water unless you notice a significant drop in humidity. Besides, drosera don't enjoy being misted. Thus, unless you place a fan-heater inside your tank, the humidity will be 80% or higher. Can’t think of more possible problems at the moment but I’m sure there are many more so any additional information is appreciated. Also make sure your terrarium has a lid. You can make one out of Plexi-glass if it doesn't already have one. If you do have a lid, make sure there are at least two 2.5cm gaps in the lid on each end to provide for air circulation. Without circulation you are opening your tank for definite fungal and algal colonies! About the lights. Depending on where in your house or apartment you have the terrarium you could use lamps, clamp lights, or build a light ballast yourself. Be creative, there are plenty of cheaper ways to support the bulbs above your plants, without having to surrender and buy anything at the Hema or Blokker. ;) Good Luck, Phyrex. And as always feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phyrex Posted February 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2004 Ah that clarifies it a lot. Thanks Ody. <cheers> Didn’t know they needed *that* much light. I read somewhere 2 of 18-23 watt was enough most of the time. Dunno if it’s possible or affordable ;) but would a single 80 watt light he exactly the same as 4 of 20..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odysseus Posted February 21, 2004 Report Share Posted February 21, 2004 It depends of it is an incandescent bulb, flourescent, halide, growlux, etc. It really depends on what type of light. If you go for the compact flourescent, at least I can already vouch that it will work well for your plants. Check out this thread earlier thread on the subject : http://www.cpukforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1419 or http://www.cpukforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2070 Good Luck... if these aren't what you are needing try a SEARCH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phyrex Posted March 12, 2004 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2004 Another question about lights... I went to a fish shop and they had the special grow lights but the small sizes had really low wattage. They told me you can't have more wattage unless increasing the length of the (TL?) Tube. Is this true? Also; what is the normal (if any) 'shoplight' length. :) Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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