Propagators

Thought that I would share to the world of cacti enthusiasts, what I have done to help germinate my (cacti) seed. I had been germinating cacti in a northerly facing window (in misted plastic bags, behind curtains to keep in the heat and had reletively good success.

But I decided to put an old aquarium on the window ledge instead. I lined the bottom with alfoil/tinfoil from the kitchen, and all the sides except the one facing north out the window. Put foil over the top (shiny side facing inwards) and placed the glass on top, hanging by a strip of sticky tape in the middle of the aquarium to keep in the heat. I placed the misted baggies in the aquarium and then decided to get a 25 watt light globe for added warrmth through the night.

It lookes really cheep and nasty, but it is warm as in there and after 3 days i have germinated ALL of my Astro Asterias Gonzales seeds - how awesaome is that?

Will take a photo and include it in another post if anyone is interested, but it doesn't look like much - results are another thing though.

Yes I would love to see some pics please Calycium, I've been offered a fish tank (just six months after selling the dingy one hanging around on the verandah after being nagged into it, only to discover I could have used it grrr)
Anyhoo I would like to set something up like that in a shed.

Sounds like a pretty good idea calycium.

I borrowed an idea from mycoculture for creating a warm environment.

Get two plastic tubs of the same size/type. Fill the bottom of one with water, enough so that when the other tub in placed into the first tub, the bottom of it hits the water and it goes up the sides a little. Then place a fish heater in the first tub and adjust the thermostat to the temp you want. Place the other tub in the first and seal the edges (with tape or cling wrap) to prevent the water from evaporating into the atmosphere. Plug the heater in and in a few hours the interior of the tub will be very warm. Seal the top of the tub with something clear to keep in the heat but allow the light in.

I've found it has worked very well so far, but my house has a terrible aspect on it, so getting enough light has been a problem. I could put a fluoro above them, but don't really want to have to use a light unless I find it critical.

talking about cheap propergators check out the one i made using my homebrew heat pad, a plastic tub & a lead light. you can see it under the topic seed advice for newbies.

regards
Darren

Well I'll have a tank and a light, I just need to figure out the rest lol. I did see your Darren, I also saw some people mentioning reptile heat mats as a cheaper alternative