I have a 20 gallon long fish rank (dimensions are 30 1/4 L by 12 1/2 Wednesday by 12 3/4 H)) I was wondering what plants in could plant in there together, cacti would be my first choice, but I heard they are not the best indoors. Anyone have any suggestions? I live in New England so our weather can be very random. Thank you in advance.

Hi, and
Cacti can do ok indoors if you have a bright window. My sister used to have blooming cacti on her windowsills in MN. They will probably rot if you put them in the aquarium. If you are very careful not to over water, you could use different succulents.

I'd do a more tropical terrarium with it. The lights would be perfect, and it should have nice humidity. Do a search for the proper way to prepare it with gravel, charcoal and media. I had a long term one that held blooming episcias, very small palms, african violets, mosses, etc. Include some pretty stones or decor and it can become a nice focal garden for wintertime.

with Elaine - No cactus.

I have a 20 gallon terrarium with a single bulb T5 light hanging over it. Mine is full of miniature orchids. I put a layer of gravel on the bottom, then a layer of sphagnum moss. The orchids are planted directly into the moss. Mostly Masdevallia and Dracula orchids. The two in pots are seedling Dendrobiums.

Whatever you decide on, use the terrarium to your advantage: plants that stay small and will enjoy the humidity. This terrarium has been planted for about a year now.

That's beautiful, Daisy! How often do you water them?

I water when the sphagnum moss on top is dry, but the bottom of the moss is still damp. The gravel acts as a reservoir - I can fill to the top of the gravel and the moss wicks up moisture. Usually about every 2 weeks. In winter, maybe once a month or less. The Masdevallias like the cooler temps so will bloom all winter.

Thanks, Daisy. I see fish tanks all the time in my thrift stores. I might try that idea out if I can find some mini orchids. I'd love one like yours.

DaisyI said:I water when the sphagnum moss on top is dry, but the bottom of the moss is still damp. The gravel acts as a reservoir - I can fill to the top of the gravel and the moss wicks up moisture. Usually about every 2 weeks. In winter, maybe once a month or less. The Masdevallias like the cooler temps so will bloom all winter.

This is a great way to grow carnivorous plants.

Oh, great idea! I'm going to go get some Drosera from the greenhouse and add them in.

DaisyI said: I have a 20 gallon terrarium with a single bulb T5 light hanging over it. Mine is full of miniature orchids.

Oooh, I need a tank like that for Orchids!!! I have a 10 gal. and a 45 gal. planted with generic houseplants but I'd love one that size, it's GORGEOUS!!

Thank you all for the great ideas, I will keep looking in the forum for ideas and information. Thank you all