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hollytree_gw

Starter Kits????

hollytree
16 years ago

Help! I need to set up a terrarium. Received a English Wardian 9 inch tabletop terrarium for Christmas. I look forward to having it established and taking care of it but am clueless as to what to buy and how to even start- I tried to find starter kits on the web but to no avail - I would like a colorful, romantic terrarium to keep with the theme of the terrarium architecture itself - can someone direct me to a site that sells starter kits with everything included with instructions!!?? Thank you!!!

(Sorry this is a doublepost - I posted this as reply to another post but don't think it will get read there so I am posting it as a new Request --)

Comments (5)

  • terrestrial_man
    16 years ago

    The only place that I know of offhand is Carolina Biological Supply. Check the link below. Keep in mind that the package offerred is for a 10 gallon sized aquarium.
    also note this item cannot be shipped to the Pacific coast states nor Arizona and Nevada due to quarantinee laws.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Carolina Biological Supply

  • paul_
    16 years ago

    I, personally, would love to see a pic of you new acquistion! Can you post a pic?

    Never seen kits myself. You may have to simply do some research on terrs in general &, after figuring out what you like, go from there. There's lots of info on this forum though it will require lots of reading on your part. :) There are also pics of finished terrs in the Gallery as well on this forum that may inspire you.

    With such a small terr, I think your biggest challenge will be finding small growing plants. There are some ultra mini (micro mini) african violets, from what I understand, that should stay quite small. Mosses will likely do well. [**NOTE: I do not advise using wild collected mosses -- depending on you zone, some require a cold dormancy. Also using wild collected is an easy way to introduce unwanted "critters" to you terr.] There are places that do sell mosses and other mini plants online. Here are links to 2:

    Try Rob from Little Frog Farms. If he asks how you heard about him, tell him Paul from OB sent ya .
    Little FrogFarms

    Or Black Jungle
    Black Jungle

    Rob is a small independent and I always try to support the little guy. Blackjungle has a bigger variety. There are other terr suppliers too but these are the first 2 who came to mind. Oh and for micro miniAVs try places like Rob's Violets [no relation to Rob of Little FRog Farms]

    For "decor" I'm not sure where you might look other than craft stores but if you are a 'crafty' person you might be able to make items yourself.

    Keep us posted!
    :)

  • jmcat
    16 years ago

    You may want to think carefully about where you buy plants. From what I have heard from other people on this forum, Black Jungle is NOT good at getting live plants to you (dead plants and/or mislabeled plants, yes, but not live plants that you ordered). For other terrarium supplies I think they are OK, but not for plants.
    -Jmcat

  • terrestrial_man
    16 years ago

    Terrarium plants?
    When it comes down to it there are no such critters!
    There are only plants, mostly of tropical origin that do best in warm humid situations which may be replicated in the confines of an enclosure.

    For your small set up use what you can find locally at first until you get your feet thoroughly drenched and become interested in tackling a much larger set-up. to start use African Violet potting soil.
    For plants a couple of easy ones are Selaginella kraussiana for a green mossy type ground covering and a Fittonia species (believe there are 4). These are easy and do spread but have great color
    Fitonia images
    with possibly a small Snake plant,
    Snake plants images
    This would be a great start, perhaps adding a small piece of a branch or a stone for contrast.

  • hollytree
    Original Author
    16 years ago

    Thank you all for your great advice! I'll certainly need it as I attempt something totally new and outside my realm of expertise. It was great to get replies - I was worried I wouldn't hear from anyone! Thanks again!!

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