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The best explanation we've found on why air management is important is from Lance Birk, author of The Paphiopedilum Grower’s Manual. Below is an excerpt: Air movement has a critical influence upon the health of our plants. It is a life-and-death factor, ranking only slightly below the effects of over-watering, yet it is often overlooked and seldom understood. It is responsible for maintaining even temperatures and for generating humidity within the growing area, as well as ...
First, let’s define active and passive systems. A system, in this context, is the collection of fundamentals, like air and water, that make up a vivarium and its ecosystem. These systems can be managed passively or actively. The Passive System A passive system relies on the natural flow of air or water. For example, in a passive system a vivarium owner would rely on gravity to pull water through the substrate. Most vivariums today employ passive air flow systems that rely on a series ...
Animals and plants thrive in their natural, complex ecosystems. To get the most enjoyment from our plants and animals, and ensure that they are thriving (not just surviving), it is critical to emulate their natural environment in a sustainable way. But, how do we create a nature emulating vivarium? The answer centers on the balance of three elements: Function, Control, and Design. “Function” recreates the natural environment as close as possible. For example, function includes ...
Planted vivariums have a long, rich history dating back to the 19th century. Early vivariums include the Wardian Cases developed by Dr. Ward, which were beautiful glass vivariums in various shapes and sizes. Many Wardian Cases are still in use today. During the mid-1800s, as the relationship between oxygen, plants and animals became better understood, the concept of creating a “balanced” vivarium (particularly the aquarium at the time) took root. Unfortunately, today, many of those ...
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