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Well, here is a pic of my vent tank at least partially planted. It looks a bit sparse now, but I'm going to let it grow in as it sees fit. I have found that you have to be careful about how quickly you add plants . . . it can really catch up with you quickly.

In the lower left-hand corner are several cuttings of Selaginella uncinata. Directly above that is a Ludisia discolor. I plan to get another trailing orchid to spill down from there toward the club moss. Underneath the branch is a maidenhair fern of some sort ($.50 special at Lowes). On the right is another jewel orchid--Macodes petola (the picture doesn't do this thing justice--it's amazing). The two odd plants in the upper right are mounted epiphitic orchids: Barkeria (whartoniana x spectabilis) and Psygomorchis (pusilla x sib). Oh, I almost forgot the one lonely brom in the tank (right now)--it's a pup from my Neoregelia liliputiana x fireball. I am supposed to have some more miniature broms coming from a trade, but we'll see how that turns out.

I still don't have my misting system up and running to my liking. The new 3 amp transformer blew on me the second time I used it. I was quite frustrated. Oh well, back to the drawing board. For what it's worth, it put out a much better spray when it did work.

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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Another pic.

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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Hi Homer: is that an acrylic tank? Maggie

nice...a Ludisia and a Macodes (or Anoectochilus).

---Prem

Yes, I love the jewel orchids. I would consider one more species for this tank, but I think that would be overdoing it.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Hi,

You will probably have problems with your barkeria...this orchid goes through a dormant period in the "winter" where the plant pretty much looks dead and should have a complete rest period with close to no actual watering. If you are going to have a misting system it may not like the contant watering and could rot...just fyi...I have some and the grower specifically said NO water in the rest period. But I have also had people tell me certain orchids like specific things only to find they could adapt and since this is a hybrid you might be ok...but just keep an eye on the plant.

Tammy

The hybridizer told me that these occaisionally go dormant, so I am just leaving this orchid on the cork mount it came on, and I'm using the wire hook on the mount to attach it to my tank. I have a spot picked out where it won't be hit by the mist. I'll move it there if it should go dormant. Two months later, it should be fine. Thanks for the info, though.

I've also read that the psymorchis is a relatively short-lived plant, but different strains can live as long as 5 years. Regardless, they're supposed to be fast growers and bloom well.

I also have my eye on an encyclia and an epinedrum that are supposed to do well in here . . . and I need at least 2 more broms. I think I have it all figred out, though.

I'll keep everyone posted as it grows in . . . and I'll let you know if the orchids flop. I figure you have to break a few eggs to make an omlette. Finally, I have some extra money to buy eggs.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Looking good... post final pics when your done. I hope to work on my new tank this weekend a little bit.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Thanks! I'm sure your tank will look great. I've got some stuff ready to send tomorrow . . . if I don't end up sleeping too late. It's been a LONG week.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

I hear that, i think I worked about 60 hours this week. Should be calmer now...
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Homer,
It's da bom! Make sure to keep posting as it grows and before you add plants. And drop me a line if you need vents!!
Peace out.

Thanks! I should be getting a few new broms and some more epiphytic orchids in a few weeks. As for the vents . . . I have either 2 pair or 1 male and 3 females. I'll have to wait for the male(s) to start calling, but the females are definitely filling out! Thanks for the offer, though.

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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense