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Post by Dennis Z on Nov 30, 2014 13:25:50 GMT -5
So I've decided that my next project is going to be a fully weather simulated rain forest vivarium with dart frogs. I'm most likely going to purchase two jungle hobbies (mist king) LED lights for the thunder storm effects and etc.
I was wondering if anybody can recommend me good orchids or plants in general for the vivarium. This is my first time doing this so any ideas would be very helpful! Also, what would be a good tank substrate? Peat moss?
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Post by H2O on Nov 30, 2014 18:04:09 GMT -5
There are hundred of plants you can use. Most dart frog tanks are going to have mini-broms as their "larger" plants that will help with frog habitat and breeding. For orchids, miniature Bulbophyllum, warm growing Masdevallia/pleurothallids, and jewel orchids are going to be the best for starting out with. Lots of other plants can be used to fill in the tank, peperomia, ficus, and miniature ferns are some common groups used. Really anything that likes it moist, lower light and stays small can be used.
For CP's Utricularia will be the best starting plants, I've used several different species with success and they grow anywhere the moss does. I've also used Nepenthes gracilis and bellii, all others are just too large. I would imagine the three sisters would do well but I haven't been able to really try it out yet, the Utrics just grow over them.
Feel free to PM about anything related to this, I'm just in the middle of building two more 110G tanks.
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Post by H2O on Nov 30, 2014 18:06:09 GMT -5
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Post by Dennis Z on Nov 30, 2014 20:57:55 GMT -5
Thanks Justin, I'll definitely PM you with some questions later on. Know any good vendors for the orchids? I was thinking of growing lepanthes in there.
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Post by H2O on Nov 30, 2014 21:13:09 GMT -5
You're going to want to avoid 99% of the genus Lepanthes. They're mostly cold growers that won't do well with frogs. Thankfully there are some that do well, L. calodictyon, L. saltatrix and L. telipogoniflora are the easiest to get and will do well with the warmer temps. My friend sells great orchid species for vivariums, PM when you're ready and I'll get a price list from him.
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