1.) depends on how many casings youd like to be in the container. i know, it sounds like a nothing answer- but it does matter. keep in mind- the smaller the container, the more hand fanning youll need (assuming hand fanning as you list mush mush's site... where they dont use a humidifier, etc.) b/c of the c02 buildup. the larger the container, the more you will need to maintain a high humidity (the larger the container, the more work it is to maintain adequate humidity in). HQ uses a bin (doesnt know the exact size though) that can hold 4 deep Glad rectangular containers in), and it seems to work fine. (honestly dont know the size...)
2.) HQ's always used a clear container with a solid lid. shed use a clear one with a clear lid if she could find one, but has ahd no prollems with this. she uses them b/c she has a semi-hidden setp, where light cannot readily be available to all of the terrariums from the top. the ambient light from the sides of the container is enough. hasnt really had a problem with twisty stens... but if you want really straight pins... make a hole in the top of your container, cover with plexi/plastic sheeting, and give it a light source from up top. solid bins are nice cos they hide what they hold inside- ... but they will all work if you have an ambient light source to induce pinning.
3.) dunno, never used holes with a static system (thats not suplemented with a humidifier). when she didnt use a humidifier, she hand-fanned a few times a day which was adequate. if you make the holes, make them about as low as where the casing trays end- the co2 is heavier than air and thats what you want to rid the terrarium of.
4.) if youre trying to keep out gross contams then perhaps filter paper would be good (like, dust etc.) wire mesh would prolly only keep out real nasties like bugs, etc... if youre worried about that then id use it. could always stuff them with polyfil or cotton, but that could harbor contams... i dont think its necessary but thats just me. (think about it- youll be airing them out and pushing all sorts of "dirty air" over them when you do daily... much worse than what a tiny hole could let in. just my opinion though).
5.) holes for exaust- low for co2 drainage. if youll use a humidifier- input air should be high to "fall" onto the casings and also push the lower co2 out the exaust holes.
6.) if youre not using anything else, prolly yes. otherwise youd have to spray it a lot... pain in the ass.
7.) casing trays are prolly better for a 1st timer- you wont be putting all your eggs in one basket. one contams, you can still save the others; if the whole casing contams youll have to start over again. but then again, a really large casing will provide substantially larger fruits, if/when you get it to that stage. its a risk-based tradeoff.
8.) hand misting, 2 x 3 times a day. youll do air exchanges at the same time as well.
9.) storing them- whereevers good for you. (wanna keep them in the open? why? prolly not.) somewhere relatively clean (you dont want dust or nasties blown in when you fan, etc.) and free from outside intrusions (no one can trip over them, etc.) somewhere the temps are correct is a good idea too... no where too cold or too hot. otherwise- whereever.
10.) uh, this is long enuf already. ::grin::
gluck
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