Hi,
I’m busy with a terrarium at the moment. I want it to be optimized for Highland Neps. I would like to (eventually) grow the more famous species like Lowii, Rajah, Hamata, etc...
Some of them are very slow growers so it would be nice if the terrarium is as optimal as possible to decrease waiting time.
I have several questions but first the specs:
Terrarium: 160 x 50 x 50 cm. 100 gallon / 400 litter capacity.
Lighting: 4 x 58 watt grow lights (Arcadia) Total of: 232 watt.
Reflectors: Each tube will have a reflector on top which increases light output by ~100%.
The back of the terrarium will certainly have reflective material. Perhaps also the sides and bottom.
I also bought a digital thermometer/hygrometer so I can monitor the whole thing.
Anyway, as promised, here are the questions! ^_^
1)
My biggest concern is temperature. I have ordered 2 dual fitting shop lights but they aren’t in yet. I have no idea how much warmth they generate but I’ve read quite some disturbing topics about terrariums tuning into ovens.
a) Do I have to do anything special to reduce temperatures (especially during the night) or won’t this be a problem?
I will probably need coolers but I have absolutely no knowledge on which ones to use and how.
b) First of all; which types? I’ve read about CPU coolers (heatsink-less?). Are these good or is there anything better/more simple?
c) Secondly; assuming small CPU fans. How much would I need (dimensions: 160x50x50) and what about the placement?
For example: 2 on top blowing downwards, or 2 inside the terrarium in (diagonal) corners to create an air flow in the tank?
2)
Another thing I’m quite clueless about is humidity control.
a) Highland Neps appreciate high humidity and especially high during the night. However also cooler conditions. How do you combine this?
When you activate a cooler won’t this drop the humidity a lot..?
b) What type of mister should I use? (ultrasonic/...?)
Also, how do you install it? I’ve seen constructions where a large mister is placed under the terrarium and the mist is led by PCV pipes into the terra...
Wouldn’t it be better to simply place a small mister inside the tank? (I’ve no idea how big the compact designs are though.
)
Any other related information about humidity and temperature control will be appreciated.
And finally;
3)
What are the optimal day/nighttime temperatures and also day/nighttime humidity levels for Highland Neps in general?
The Savage Garden says ~15 degree Celsius during the night and ~25 during the day. Can the experts here agree on that? (Because not everything in TSG is 100% correct)
Thank you for reading.
Hope you can help me make an optimal (within a normal budget of course
) Highland Nepenthes terrarium. When it’s all done I will order quite a lot of expensive plants and it would be sad to see them die.
-A. Looper.
I’m busy with a terrarium at the moment. I want it to be optimized for Highland Neps. I would like to (eventually) grow the more famous species like Lowii, Rajah, Hamata, etc...
Some of them are very slow growers so it would be nice if the terrarium is as optimal as possible to decrease waiting time.
I have several questions but first the specs:
Terrarium: 160 x 50 x 50 cm. 100 gallon / 400 litter capacity.
Lighting: 4 x 58 watt grow lights (Arcadia) Total of: 232 watt.
Reflectors: Each tube will have a reflector on top which increases light output by ~100%.
The back of the terrarium will certainly have reflective material. Perhaps also the sides and bottom.
I also bought a digital thermometer/hygrometer so I can monitor the whole thing.
Anyway, as promised, here are the questions! ^_^
1)
My biggest concern is temperature. I have ordered 2 dual fitting shop lights but they aren’t in yet. I have no idea how much warmth they generate but I’ve read quite some disturbing topics about terrariums tuning into ovens.
a) Do I have to do anything special to reduce temperatures (especially during the night) or won’t this be a problem?
I will probably need coolers but I have absolutely no knowledge on which ones to use and how.
b) First of all; which types? I’ve read about CPU coolers (heatsink-less?). Are these good or is there anything better/more simple?
c) Secondly; assuming small CPU fans. How much would I need (dimensions: 160x50x50) and what about the placement?
For example: 2 on top blowing downwards, or 2 inside the terrarium in (diagonal) corners to create an air flow in the tank?
2)
Another thing I’m quite clueless about is humidity control.
a) Highland Neps appreciate high humidity and especially high during the night. However also cooler conditions. How do you combine this?
When you activate a cooler won’t this drop the humidity a lot..?
b) What type of mister should I use? (ultrasonic/...?)
Also, how do you install it? I’ve seen constructions where a large mister is placed under the terrarium and the mist is led by PCV pipes into the terra...
Wouldn’t it be better to simply place a small mister inside the tank? (I’ve no idea how big the compact designs are though.
Any other related information about humidity and temperature control will be appreciated.
And finally;
3)
What are the optimal day/nighttime temperatures and also day/nighttime humidity levels for Highland Neps in general?
The Savage Garden says ~15 degree Celsius during the night and ~25 during the day. Can the experts here agree on that? (Because not everything in TSG is 100% correct)
Thank you for reading.
Hope you can help me make an optimal (within a normal budget of course
-A. Looper.