Marula wrote:

cascade wrote: What plant is under the log in the first picture?

I think it's some kind of Polygonum.

Scarab, how deep is the substrate?
Awesome tank!!!

Thanks Marula.

Scarab wrote: Cascade
This is a full view. It has two lids, each lid has four vents. A picture does not do it justice though...

Thanks for posting the picture Scarab.
It does justice for me, it looks awesome.

What is the main function of the light?
How many hours do you put the light on for?


Keep all the updates coming.

Cascade, the light mainly serves as illumination for this vast habitat. It is not entirely necessary because these plants can survive in very low light conditions. It is on for about 14 hours a day and makes a huge difference to the overall aesthetics. The added advantage is that it does offer some UV to the environment and will invariably assist the plants.

The second unintentional reason is something I realized only afterwards. There is almost no way I will be able to clean this enclosure regularly, except for the obvious wastes and by products. Therefor I will add Isopods when they become available mid spring. The aim is to have this be a self sustaining enclosure, almost like a biological filter is in an aquarium. (No water change required for M balfouri though).

I have already noticed that some female crickets have laid eggs in the few moist spots around the plants. Hopefully, the pinheads will hatch and serve as food for the young spiders and/or act as tiny vacuum cleaners.

Whatever happens in there must happen. I had concerns about the young spiders finding food, but hey, Socotra is (only slightly) bigger than this enclosure and from what one gathers, they do just fine there.

The light should therefor help sustain all the critters that make this home.

But what about the isopods?They wont be able to survive in such dry and harsh conditions?

It's not entirely dry. The plants will be watered relatively often. I am sure they will find cool moist nooks and crannies to hide and hopefully do their cleaning/scavenging business at night.

Wow that is astonishing. Scarab you are on the next level.

Scarab wrote: Cascade,

Whatever happens in there must happen. I had concerns about the young spiders finding food, but hey, Socotra is (only slightly) bigger than this enclosure and from what one gathers, they do just fine there.

The light should therefor help sustain all the critters that make this home.

All you need is wind a machine now .
Will the light help with heating the enclosure in winter or will you add heating pads to the enclosure?