Sorry to indundate this group with questions, but I thought this list would
probably have the answers.
1. With the "cheesie Wardian Case" I built, I'd like to bring the
temperatures up. My min/max thermometer says the min temperature goes
to about 68'F. I'd like to get it up to about 78' for the lowland Neps
I have. I am mainly concerned with my Rafflesiana. I checked the
archives and noticed someone said they were heating their terrarium with
aquarium heaters submerged in 3 inches of water. My question is: My
case is about 4' x 4' x 1'. What kind of heating system should be used
for something this size?
2. The Max side of my min/max thermometer says the Max reaches ~95 F.
This is a bit too high, I think. I suspect it should reach about 90 F
tops. I suspect the temperature stays there for maybe an hour. I have
cut flaps into the case to alow the heat to rise out. But, in doing so,
I lose lots of humidity. Is there a good way to allow ventillation and
maintain humidity. What do those of you who use Terrariums and Sunlight
do.
3. In an unrelated question, I am trying to set up my growlight system
for my baby N.Rajah. I purchased a duel bulb flourescent system which I
fear is way underpowered. It uses 2 15-watt bulbs. The whole setup is
a in a white reflective cube. It receives no sunlight. At about two
inches from the bulbs, I read about 500 ft/candles. Pietropaulo
recommends 1000-1500 ft/candles. Am I grossly under lighting the plant?
It is a tiny plant (almost could be regarded as an older seedling?) Will
a two tube 40watt assembly give me what I want? Also, I read in the
archives that there is a problem with heat from flouresent bulbs. An
Orchid book I read said that there is no problem whatsover with the
bulbs even touching the plant. Have people had drying out problems with
Flourescent tubes?
Thanks in advance,
-- Tom Markson Unix Systems email: tomm@ingres.com