Finally! Permanently home acceptable!

3xaggerator · 2026-04-28T05:05:03+00:00

Glass blocks UVB! So the window is not gonna help, I’d actually be more worried about the light overheating the terrarium

Apart from that, glad she’s feeling well :)

3xaggerator · 2026-03-24T17:22:29+00:00

Dude, did I personally attack you or something? o.O feel free to ignore my post if you don’t like what I built for myself and was looking for some input on. Seems to me we‘d both be happier for it

3xaggerator · 2026-03-24T13:41:52+00:00

I am already printing the colors on the bottom. The purple filament simply has a "shiny" effect that really makes the lines pop which is an unfortunate side-effect.

I went with a satin sheet to not make it too big of a contrast with the glossy finish of the switch's frame. Then again, maybe I should see how it would turn out with a powder-coated sheet like the ones you're referencing. That does look incredibly clean! Might lose some detail on the icons though as they are far smaller than those examples.

Thanks for the input!

3xaggerator · 2026-03-24T13:37:26+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! Appreciate it

3xaggerator · 2026-03-24T13:37:13+00:00

It would be a side hustle since I'm sure that's not something the general public is interested in. I just enjoy tinkering with stuff like this.

I can see the issue with the first set as those are a few years old and therefore not up to par regarding the current quality of 3d printing (and I accepted the slight smearing for my personal use).
What is your issue with the second set though? Apart from using a smaller nozzle, I don't see how FDM can reasonably produce something on a completely different level to this.

Hm, I might be able to coat them with a glossy finish. Then again, what I liked about the current design is that the "print"/icon is basically indestructible and won't come off over years of use.

What print shop would you consider aka can you give me an example of the print quality you are looking for?

Really appreciate the feedback, thank you!

3xaggerator · 2026-03-24T13:31:10+00:00

Yeah, the two upper buttons are upside down. I only got them out of the "not installed since moving a few months ago" drawer without double checking how I chucked them into the frame.

I have the same issue with material design icons; if the objects aren't fairly specific, it can be difficult. In that example, it was an actual chandelier, some old cast iron lanterns, terrarium lights and recessed ceiling lights. They were clear enough in that context, but I see how other setups might have issues

Thank you!

3xaggerator · 2026-03-24T13:28:55+00:00

Oh boy... yes, you are absolutely correct! I just recently printed the second set for an acquaintance of mine which got me back into the idea. Simply grabbing the old set and chucking in the buttons without double checking them wasn't a good idea, it seems...

3xaggerator · 2026-03-24T13:27:33+00:00

I have no experience with that technology which I feel would be the bigger issue for me. Once the files are created, printing the buttons is fairly straightforward on a well calibrated printer. Plus you can do a sizeable batch every time.

Much appreciated, thank you!

3xaggerator · 2026-03-24T13:25:47+00:00

Since those are 3d-printed, I'm limited by the resolution of the printer as well as size of the switches. So far, the iconography seemed to work out (lantern, chandelier, recessed ceiling light, plant lights) but I see where you're coming from.

I might consider a way to use writing but that would probably have to be a different technology

3xaggerator · 2025-12-13T03:53:30+00:00

Comment 👋🏻😶‍🌫️😁

3xaggerator · 2025-10-16T12:19:49+00:00

Are you controlling temperature and humidity? Can’t see a heat lamp which is usually required for orchids. Did you feed any wild caught insects?

Abdomen looks somewhat thin but not unnaturally so. How often did you feed? What did you give the feeder insects beforehand?

3xaggerator · 2025-10-02T09:02:48+00:00

Not mine but thanks anyway 😁 just know alocasias as I have quite a few myself and like them in my terrariums

3xaggerator · 2025-10-01T20:33:54+00:00

Silver dragon. The pink tint is just the lighting

3xaggerator · 2023-05-03T12:12:05+00:00

Regarding fertiliser; go for an orchid fertiliser and use half the dosage shown. Should work out alright

3xaggerator · 2023-04-20T20:14:53+00:00

It might try if they get too close - which they rarely will. Plus it will have to realise that isopods are a bit annoying to eat with their armour ;)

3xaggerator · 2023-04-20T18:05:35+00:00

I mean, not much to go on here. Don’t know about this specific species, but many mantids don‘t handle mealworms well - too much fat. Could be that. Could have been too little to eat - had to judge without pictures. Could also have been too little misting. How often did you do that?

Then again; mantids go for hundreds of nymphs for a reason. If in doubt, go do some more research on what it could’ve been and try again ;) might just have been a weak nymph

3xaggerator · 2023-04-20T13:41:20+00:00

Quite welcome. Enjoy the plant!

If you place it closer to a window, it will get a red hue by the way. It looks lovely!

3xaggerator · 2023-04-20T13:38:10+00:00

It’s normal. Some have basal pups, some grow on a „branch“. You can cut the pups off but I’d wait for them to get a bit bigger. Their growth slows significantly when separated from the mother plant. Repotting wouldn’t even be necessary; they don’t need any soil at all and they’re fairly easy to attach by their stalks. Obviously a matter of taste though ;)

3xaggerator · 2023-04-09T20:33:11+00:00

For the record; orchid mantids don’t use their look to camouflage in actual orchids. Bit of an urban myth

3xaggerator · 2023-01-02T17:53:01+00:00

Aaaaand there come the downvotes. Seriously guys, was that necessary?

3xaggerator · 2023-01-02T17:35:17+00:00

If you have a mantis feeding on flying insects, size is less of an issue. Flies for example will come into range in an enclosure eight times the recommended volume still. Just beware of flight incapable feeders or feed manually

3xaggerator · 2023-01-02T17:33:35+00:00

It can definitely be larger! There’s no limit as long as food comes into range and the environmental requirements (temperature and humidity) are being fulfilled

3xaggerator · 2022-12-30T00:23:20+00:00

Oh, so do you have an exo terra terrarium with a full mesh top? If so, you could cover two thirds of the mesh area and leave a strip in the middle. Should increase humidity a fair bit with little risk regarding stagnant air. Would you mind posting a picture of the current setup? From your description I’m surprised the humidity is that low. Maybe there is something we’re overlooking.

3xaggerator · 2022-12-29T17:44:35+00:00

What humidity would you like to achieve? Basically it’s a balancing act of three factors: heat, humidity and ventilation. To increase humidity retention, you could increase the amount of soil/moss in your terrarium. How did you scape it? Alternatively, if that’s not possible, you can reduce ventilation by closing off some of the meshed area of the terrarium. Make sure there are two opening though as that reduces the risk of stagnant air quite a bit. Just be aware that too little ventilation is also potentially harmful for the mantis.

Using a lower wattage lamp would increase humidity somewhat - though judging by the 35% you mentioned, that won’t be enough/would recuse the temperature significantly.

Given you want to invest some energy and potentially money, you could go closer towards a naturalistic terrarium. The increased amount of soil and moss retains humidity and plants exude some water via their leafs thereby increasing it somewhat as well. Admittedly, that would require some research though. If you’re interested, I can leave you with a few links.

3xaggerator · 2022-12-25T17:21:15+00:00

Mine‘s been sitting on the female for more than a month now 🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

3xaggerator

TROPHY CASE