These exquisite nano vivariums are from two flicker users showing their collections and experiments. I am not sure what, in this case, distinguishes these as vivariums vs terrariums, beyond recreating typically higher humidity environments. But the use of terracotta pipe as the growth surface creates and opportunity for beautifully condensed ecosystems. Off the surface of the pipe is a mixture of various of mosses and orchids. The scale and texture it creates is unique to any vivarium or terrarium i have ever seen.
My nanovivarium today after being in use for approx. 2 years. Some plants were added a year ago (Platystele umbellata, Pleurothallis grobyi, P. sonderana, Cyrtorchis crassifolia, Dendrobium cyanocentrum), and some this spring (Ceratochilus biglandulosus, Lepanthes calodictyon, Trisetella hoeijeri, Masdevallia wendlandiana and Diodonopsis erinacea). The pipe is sealed at the bottom with a glass lid using aquarium silicone. I fill the pipe with pure water (rain, RO) and no fertilizer is given (very rarely a weak organic fertilizer as foliar feed). Any salts will seal the pores of the pipe making it useless. A plastic hood is fitted over the pipe that has four 20W >halogen spots (see other picture).
My pipe is not porous enough which is why it is not totally covered with moss. I can only mount orchids were enough water seeps through. I plan to try a few other pipes within a few months and hopefully I will find one that is better. Fortunately my mother in law has a few pipes laying around on her property from previous drainage work.