I was wondering if I make a terrarium and put some mini AVs in it, should I put a small plant light above it, like mount it at the top of the tank underneath whatever type of cover I use? And what kind of cover should I use, a piece of glass about the same size as the tank? I think the mini AVs would look beautiful in a terrariums. And can you mix different types of things in the terrarium, such as some mini AVs and some Cryptanthus?
Jesse
Another thought about terrariums
Do you have the light system for the fish tank? I have a complete tank that has a crack on the end that I am going to use to grow some things in. I think it is going to be perfect. I don't see why you can't mix things as long as they like the same living conditions.
No, I did not get the whole kit but I can easily go get one. I can't wait to make mine. I'm just waiting for some ideas and how to do it right. I've never done one so I want to make sure that I know what I'm doing.
Jesse
Depending on what you're putting in your terrarium, you could even use one of the higher-output lights like I have on my saltwater tanks.... Lots of options there, although I tend to think Halogen would be overkill! I like the power compact florescents as a nice compromise between cost & bright output. I've got an extra 10 gal tank now myself, since I just moved the clownfish to a brand new 30 gallon tank with a 24" PC fixture on top.... now there's enough light & enough water volume to get them an anemone! Woohooo! They haven't come out of the corner that has their favorite & familiar rocks in it.... I think they are feeling a little agorophobic, LOL.
Oh I love the clown fish. I think they are so cute. Can you take photos of your tank when you get it all set up with all your fish in it? I would love to see it.
Jesse
Sure.... I think I'll wait until after the sand goes in... who knows, after my planned trip to That Fish Place in PA (yes, that's the name of the store -- great place!), I may also have an anemone for them... although, really, it would be better to get the sand bed in place and let the new tank settle for a while before adding the anemone... I get impatient with more than my plants though, LOL! (For any aquarists, yes, the new tank has a fully cycled BioWheel filter on the back that I moved from the old tank, so it's not still establishing its nitrogen cycle.)
Wow, a fully cycled BioWheel filter. That sounds like something really advanced. I would have no idea what to do with one of those. You are a smart cookie critter. And I am saying this sincerely, not joking.
Jesse
ROTFL! Nah, if you "did" aquariums, you'd have come across Penguin's BioWheel filters by now! They hang on the back of the tank, and the bacteria that develop on the "wheel" do a great job of breaking down wastes (although you still have to do water changes or grow plants to use up the nitrates). I think they're especially good for freshwater tanks, although this one is on a salty tank. I just added that parenthetical comment in case anyone read my post and thought, OMG, what is she doing adding a delicate invertebrate to an uncycled new tank??
I'm going up to That Fish Place tomorrow!! I'm so excited! It's nearly as exciting as a trip to The Violet Gallery, LOL!
I actually thought about a tank cover for my 20 gallon long terrarium but it would not fit on the bakers rack with it.
So I went out and bought two small halogen desk lamps (7.00 each at Target) and I put those on either side...So far it seems to be adding adequate light!
I am still working on the terrarium but once I am finished. I will be posting pictures!
That sounds great Lorry. I can't wait to see it. And that is a good idea about the lights too. Thanks for sharing.
Jesse
I use those little halogens all over the place! LOL..they are great for places that you can't put up strip lights :) and halogens also add warmth for plants that need it :)