Subject: How does one set up a Terrarium?
From: Adam Carheden <carheden@holly.colostate.edu>
Organization: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 17:23:35 -0600
Message-ID: <MOD$970917.1260@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
I need to set up a terrarium for a biology class, but the teacher just
threw us some seeds and a plastic cup. Can anyone explain the process
to me?
I did a little research and was told to put a layer of gravel, I
assume
for drainage, a layer of activated carbon, potting soil, plants and
water, then cover it with a water tight lid (I'm doing this in a 10 gal
aquarium, 10"w x 12"h x 20" l). What's the carbon for? Are there
different types of potting soil and which should I use? I was going to
use water from my aquarium because it would have higher nitrates than
tap water and no chlorine, but it is also very hard and basic due to the
types of fish I keep (10 KH, 20 GH, 8.4 pH). Would this hurt the
plants?
Any suggestion for plant types? I can grow anything that starts
as a
seed or bulb. I bet I could talk him into letting me grow a cutting if
that is how the plant procreates. The project lasts for the semester,
so something with a life cycle of a few months.
Any other advice or good web sites/books would also be greatly
appreciated.
TIA
Adam
carheden@holly.colostate.edu