Setting Up a 10-Gallon Carnivorous Plant Terrarium

Lighting, Plants, and Parameters for a Small Terrarium

A beginner wanted to plant directly into soil in a 10-gallon tank with lights.

Lighting: Four 15W Philips "Plantes et Aquariums" Tubes

Fit four 18-inch, 15W tubes (60W total) on top. Use a timer for 12–14 hours. Raise plants on moss so the tallest are 8–10 inches from the tubes.

Environment: 75–80% Humidity, 55–84°F, Night Drop to 55–60°F

Use a hygrometer/thermometer. Ventilate to prevent overheating.

Recommended Starter Plants

• 2× Pinguicula primuliflora (easy butterwort)
• 2× Drosera spatulata (spatula sundew)
• 1× Nepenthes 'Black Knight' (subtropical, colorful)

Avoid Venus flytraps—they need dormancy and outgrow small tanks. Mixing many species is hard to balance; start simple.

Happy growing,
Dan