- Thu Dec 10, 2009 5:18 pm
#35041
Hello everyone, I'm new here obviously if you didn't see my introduction post it is "nice to meet you" I've been reading the site off and on over the last 2 days and I'm now ready to ask some questions for clarity.
The situation -
I live in central FL and I attempted and outside setup about 8 years ago and I now want to make a small indoor setup to learn and work out all the kinks before moving to something larger and more permanent.
Supplies -
This stuff I already had from previous projects or was given to me:
A couple clean 10 gallon tanks, lexan, mesh tops, computer fans and adapters, 2 timers with 15 minute intervals, rocks, tubing and plastic for drainage also a small digital weather station that tracks trends of humidity and temp.
I bought sphagnum moss, peat moss, distilled water I couldn't find perlite without plant food. I have 2 VFTs and I plan on putting in 2 sundews.
My idea -
Soil:
Individual containers for each plant W4"xH5"xL8" sizes were determined by tank size
A layer of dime sized rocks at the bottom of the container with a layer of plastic for drainage
Soil mix 2 parts peat moss to 1 part sphagnum moss about 4" deep
?? Do you foresee any problems here?? or have any suggestions to make it better??
Lights:
I haven't bought these yet, but after reading on this site I am trying to find some 18" soft white t5's 6500k or soft white t8's at highest temp.
?? How many t8s will I need if I can't find the t5's in 18"?? Also what rating for t8's?? Is the distance the same from the plants with all lights??I have been to lowes, home depot, Wal-Mart, and I am going to Ace hardware next. As for the tank I was thinking about placing it upside down over the plants with the lights on top so as to keep the heat outside. The advantages I see would be that I can always raise or lower the tank and/or the containers to properly control the distance to the lights. Also, I can control the size gap (if any) around the bottom to let air in to control the humidity. Plus I have a PC fan and timer if needed.
?? Any thoughts or ideas about this setup would be great??
Water:
Distilled only
I'm trying to make some flexibility in this small setup so I can see what works best for me before forking over the money on a larger setup. Ideas? suggestions encouraged!
The situation -
I live in central FL and I attempted and outside setup about 8 years ago and I now want to make a small indoor setup to learn and work out all the kinks before moving to something larger and more permanent.
Supplies -
This stuff I already had from previous projects or was given to me:
A couple clean 10 gallon tanks, lexan, mesh tops, computer fans and adapters, 2 timers with 15 minute intervals, rocks, tubing and plastic for drainage also a small digital weather station that tracks trends of humidity and temp.
I bought sphagnum moss, peat moss, distilled water I couldn't find perlite without plant food. I have 2 VFTs and I plan on putting in 2 sundews.
My idea -
Soil:
Individual containers for each plant W4"xH5"xL8" sizes were determined by tank size
A layer of dime sized rocks at the bottom of the container with a layer of plastic for drainage
Soil mix 2 parts peat moss to 1 part sphagnum moss about 4" deep
?? Do you foresee any problems here?? or have any suggestions to make it better??
Lights:
I haven't bought these yet, but after reading on this site I am trying to find some 18" soft white t5's 6500k or soft white t8's at highest temp.
?? How many t8s will I need if I can't find the t5's in 18"?? Also what rating for t8's?? Is the distance the same from the plants with all lights??I have been to lowes, home depot, Wal-Mart, and I am going to Ace hardware next. As for the tank I was thinking about placing it upside down over the plants with the lights on top so as to keep the heat outside. The advantages I see would be that I can always raise or lower the tank and/or the containers to properly control the distance to the lights. Also, I can control the size gap (if any) around the bottom to let air in to control the humidity. Plus I have a PC fan and timer if needed.
?? Any thoughts or ideas about this setup would be great??
Water:
Distilled only
I'm trying to make some flexibility in this small setup so I can see what works best for me before forking over the money on a larger setup. Ideas? suggestions encouraged!