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RETF Terrarium temperature too high in low 80s ?

gbjk Jul 14, 2005 02:02 PM

I've been running my terrarium for a week now.
It's fully planted with a layer of ochid bark and moss peat substrate, and then a layer of sphagnam moss. There's two ficus's in there and an orhid lilly and a waterfall with a fogger.

The humidity is between 55 and 80 %, normally at around 70%.
The day temperature is between 78 and 83 right now ( UK is having a bit of a "heatwave" - for us anyway ), and the night temperature is between 80 and 75.
The water temperature is between 80 and 89 ( The fogger warms it up a bit, but is on for the minimum to maintain the humidity - 15 minutes about 6 times in 24 hours ).
There's a UV light over the top during the day, and a 50w heat lamp over at night.
There's a 6"x11" heat mat on polystyrene under the terrarium.
Neither the heat lamp or the heat mat are on right now.

Should I be considering using a fan on a thermostat to cool the terrarium?

This heat will only last for a few weeks - maybe a month.
During winter I expect that the heat matt will be on constantly.

Half the pain is getting the damn thermostat sensor down the back of the polystyrene backing and under it, without disturbing the plants, while trying to dig out the substrate adequately.

There's pictures of the terrarium below

Thanks

Gareth
Terrarium photos

Replies (3)

jwthought Jul 14, 2005 10:14 PM

85 is about the maximum they can stand, but mot for extended periods. You may want to consider a fan, but that may compromise the humidity. 55% humidity is too low. I would recommend shutting of the fogger and spraying more often. I know the fogger can raise the temp as well. Again, though, you run the risk of too low humidity. I guess play around with those things and see if you can get it right. Turn off any lights, too. They will give off a little heat. Hope this helped some.

gbjk Jul 15, 2005 02:31 AM

Yep - it did help, thanks.
I really don't think it'll get up to 85 degrees - but I know that prolonged exposure to higher temperatures isn't good.

The fogger does a really good job of keeping the humidity up, so I don't especially want to turn it off.

I'll consider fans over the next few days and monitor the progress.

Thanks

G

gbjk Jul 15, 2005 09:20 AM

Left the windows open today in the room the terrarium is in, and the temperature at midday is 3 degrees lower.
I'd expect that the temperature at the end of the day will only be a maximum of 80 now, which is much better.

G

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