Aquascape Tutorial: HUGE XL Paludarium / Vivarium Flooded Rainforest Build (How To: Step By Step)

[@MDFishTanks]

So this has taken me about 2 weeks to put together but I'm now really happy to bring you the full build. Once everything has matured a bit more I will be adding in the amphibians as well :D Big thank you to Exo Terra for providing us with this paludarium and the other 2 still left to build Timestamps: 1:37 Background build 7:10 Lighting 8:49 Terrestrial plants 10:54 Water section begins 16:31 Filtration 19:45 Aquatic plants 22:36 Adding fish 25:12 Finished result

[@smokingsalmon]

MD Fish Tanks don’t forget to make time stamps for all your children’s appearances. The stars of the channel

[@CrazyAquariumGuy]

Another amazing video. Thanks mate🎩👊

[@shaughnmarieturner9128]

This is feckin’ gorgeous. Great work. 😍 I’m in love.

[@joebob8457]

MD please add some moss it will look amazing Above ground

[@lifewithcats5446]

Looking forward to seeing the update :)

[@craigsmart1986]

For a first attempt at a vivarium that's astounding

[@MDFishTanks]

thanks very much...planning the next one already lol.

[@craigsmart1986]

@@MDFishTanks I'm gonna guess this one's for red eyed tree frogs 😄 checkout serpadesigns KZbin channel if you haven't already (you probably have)

[@AD-uz3pf]

Craig Smart I knew he was gonna add frogs

[@corvina_y]

@@craigsmart1986 gold dust day gecko would be amazing I don't really see a lot of people keeping them recently

[@frogpalpeeper4249]

This entire hobby would come to a screeching halt, world-wide, without expanding foam.

[@definitelynotyuribezmenov7611]

Or silicon or aquarium glue

[@definitelynotyuribezmenov7611]

They can use rope or cable tie too tho

[@eoincollins1883]

Absolutely,I use that and a product called tec 7.

[@katielewis4591]

I’m doing research on these, and was just thinking that

[@JasperAndKayla]

Ive never used expanding foam... but I want to 😏

[@ethanhu3236]

Hey MD, I think you could add some leaf litter to the “water part” of the paludarium, I think it will look even more natural!

[@louisarron3599]

I agree adding leaves with elevate the water section and make it look more natural

[@MDFishTanks]

yeah nice Idea ethan.

[@luxuriantten1854]

@@MDFishTanks And also some on the substrate to make the two come together :)

[@RealFishkeeping101]

If you wanted to keep the water clear you could cover any leaves in clear sealant to prevent tannins from being released into it.. bit fiddly but you gets the best look imo

[@irishmanbd8447]

@@RealFishkeeping101 tannins are actually good for the fish. I'd leave it.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

First off.. I have to say it...the doodles... They are growing... Beautiful children MD...❤️🤗 This really gave you an opportunity to show off your creativity... And WOW!. THE BACKGROUND TURNED OUT AMAZING!! The terrestrial plants look so soooo good!!! Every step of the build was easy to understand! I think maximum excitement wasn't just for you! I know I've been excited to see this and boy did you bring it! This is going to be so much fun to watch as this matures! It looks very natural!! It was so exciting to see your imagination amd hard work bring us this beautiful build!! The endlers were a perfect addition!! It is so cool!!! Absolute 🔥👍 Thank you so much for sharing this with us! ❤️🐟🌿🌱💯 Little baby Avrum is fighting hard.. day by day... We're waiting on MRI and EEG results... One incredible thing that happened is they allowed my daughter to hold him for the FIRST time last night... She needed that so much!!! And so did he!! He is a little miracle I really hope he wakes up soon.. thank you so much for asking and continued prayers for the little fella.. we need a miracle... And I really feel like one is being performed right now!!🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️ Much love MD from my family to yours!!!

[@MDFishTanks]

Hi mary. So pleased to hear that. I hope everything continues going well.

[@lucasc3502]

I’m so glad you made a proper paludarium, and didn’t just use only the old background and a couple plants!

[@joshthomas2841]

MD you’re easily my favourite fishtuber.

[@hollymarcroft6298]

Not only are you awesome and talented, your family makes a WONDERFUL addition to your filming! Love to see them involved. GREAT BUILD!!

[@flonkas]

My tanks have always been so simple. This is my first time building somethibg like this, MD, I’m following your video from the start. I’m almost complete. My whole family is astounded with how it looks, I know they were thinking that I could never make something like this. You gave me all the confidence, thank you

[@thatguy1733]

I absolutely love what you do and the “ART” you create. I don’t consider you to be an aquarist, but rather an Artist.

[@kishb4609]

Maybe you might want to drill some holes into the plant cups so water isn't just sitting in there so you'll have some drainage

[@irishmanbd8447]

You should get a fogger and misting system for it.

[@sooshi0204]

He needs to asap

[@sooshi0204]

It will be a different world if he gets one

[@aaqilian5.085]

You paying for it, you bellend? Mm? Thought not. 🖕🏾

[@eddieington6243]

You have such a beautiful family MD. Nice to see Mrs.MD's cameo appearance. Love it when the boys make an appearance too. Hope the inhabitants are tree frogs, they're so pretty.

[@definitelynotyuribezmenov7611]

Bearded dragons. Not bad either now

[@REscapes]

Okay this is insane, when I set up my dart frog tank last year I was so happy and proud of it and then I see MD's first attempt at a terrarium and I'm like..... I need to redo mine... (If by chance this is for darts put something in the water for them to get out of they do fall in because they actually don't really like water, they can't actually swim)

[@kakkernakker]

Hahahah that first they were completely aquatic and now cant swim

[@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988]

Lmao that’s funny

[@pedrofigueiredo4878]

I usually like the video at the end, but that cute little baby made me like right away. Nice escape too!

[@lukexx8385]

You definitely need to to an aqascape contest with your children 😂

[@MDFishTanks]

wont be long and I think they will be more into it.

[@brandonsaquariumsandterrar8985]

He would probably be beaten lol

[@OwenF1988]

Looks awesome! Once you get your other livestock you’ll need to get a cleanup crew to control the terrestrial waste. Springtails are great for this and for mould control. You should look up Serpa Design’s video on clean-up crews and springtails for this type of setup! Can’t wait to watch your paludarium grow and mature into a fully functioning ecosystem!

[@aaqilian5.085]

You got a lot of commands there don’t ya chump? Mr unsolicited advice guy, they call you don’t they? 🖕🏾

[@jenniferdeleon7425]

Amazing build!!! My 4 y/o daughter has a obsession with the frogs in the back yard to the point of us setting up a tank for her to put them in (the things we do for our kids)… but the hubs really wants to do something like this for her. Beautiful!

[@Bisen222]

first time i've seen anyone use the existing background for texture and dont just foam the whole thing, looks great :)

[@katzolicious]

coming here in 2023 as reccomended! perfect. You and Matt need to do another one of these in the new studio.

[@Tobias611]

4:30 my heart! Oh my god that was so cute. The SperaDesign influence is strong with this one. It looks great! When I tried it with my hermitcrab terrarium I was too dumb and left the shiny expansion foam layer on while adding the silicone, safe to say that it didn't work. Ripping the shiny layer off of 160x50 and 2x 60x50cm (all 3 sides) was not fun, and in the end I covered it in tile adhesive instead of silicone (since I simply wouldn't have had enough for that), gives it a nice rock look, so I can recommend giving that a try in another terrarium if you want to achieve that type of look! "They like to stick on leaves!" so might be geckos, maybe Lygodactylus williamsi? A very small gecko variety with a turquoise color and active during the day, really lovely if you can get your hands on some! Though they wouldn't like that high humidity as much that you have planned. So I'd guess some lovely tiny frogs, which would obviously love the water part (even if it's not dendrobates but other frogs). God now I am excited for this!

[@kwahanui]

Your videos and builds are always really positve and joyful and easy to follow. That baby girl's smile though.💜💜💜

[@cjy-yd5tr]

I'm just going to say it... a crocodile fern would have been perfect in this build! If you ever need to replace any of the plants in it or if you do another tank you should consider it. It's a broader leaf fern and the pattern of the leaves looks like well a crocodile skin. Love you videos! Thanks for another great one :)

[@lochlainngoss9123]

Looking great! you should get some climbing plants like ficus pumila or Marcgravia to climb the background wall would look awesome :)

[@MDFishTanks]

ok thanks, I'll look into it.

[@sanjitpasi5601]

This looks absolutely amazing right now 😍 just imagine how beautiful this will look when everything is grown settled and mature

[@duncandonuts5268]

The pots on the background were really smart!

[@AussieRic]

Simply one word...."Awesome"

[@tanktanktank-oe3ic]

Amazing, this is exactly what I did with my background. Cork, foam, silicone, then I did use the coco fibre. Awesome results and an inspiration!

[@eoincollins1883]

Same as that bud. That exo-terra is the job.

[@desijesi8450]

That looks so beautiful! You are so underrated as an aquascaper ♥️

[@FrankGarnerquadpcer]

md! cmon! the babies! let them stay. we luv seeing them. :)

[@SquidgytheGreat]

Incredible! SO GOOD to see someone from the UK doing videos like this! I'm in the middle of my first ever hard-scape for my vivarium for my tree frogs and this is such amazing inspiration! Big up from KENT!

[@Asta_q1]

This is one of the most beautiful things I've seen 😍

[@MrAnhGio]

You are not a paludarium specialist. But I still support your work, that's passion

[@dylansworldofyoutube9030]

That is the most BEAUTIFUL thing I've ever seen!

[@MHAquaticsUK]

Great one MD! Now I want this!

[@MDFishTanks]

haha. Do it!

[@MHAquaticsUK]

@@MDFishTanks well if MD said so...

[@meta.aesthetica]

Someone's been watching Serpadesign 😂 awesome build mate!

[@stevecadman1630]

Been looking forward to this video ever since I see it in the back ground lol I've been wanting to give this ago myself for ages but always put it off but now watching this I'm wanting to do it

[@MDFishTanks]

yeah its fun to do and very different

[@stevecadman1630]

@@MDFishTanks but it's all worth it in the end

[@calebtan750]

You inspire so many of us! This is one sick build. Keep up the awesome work mate!

[@s.a.m.simplified4598]

Your little baby is so CUTE!

[@touch_of_fear]

If you put plants in pots like that next time, you should put holes in the bottom of the pots so that the roots can grow out and cover things. It would look super nice’

[@potatoboi6188]

Those look like paper cups the roots will soon come out

[@svandam853]

Yes finaly is this video uploated! I'm very curious about the animal what is going into the palduarium!!! I love your channel and keep going with the great work you do!😃

[@blablabla14ish]

this is art.

[@altheagodhe1801]

Make another one now that you have more room !! So beautiful. Love from Canada❤

[@rmac5584]

You're too good with these set ups. You're even better than most of these pro's

[@cheeseblog]

A joy to watch you create your masterpieces❗️

[@malvin7764]

can u make a video on the aquascape made from wat u found in the park or something near u :)

[@MDFishTanks]

People tend to get a bit funny about taking stuff directly from nature (but they are fine if you get from a shop....which is still taken from nature 🤣)

[@bugass81]

he did some where he found moss and rocks on the side of a road

[@Ryan-cg4sp]

Basically he's trying not to encourage it because it might not be legal where u are and some people may go overboard and completely ruin a certain spot in nature

[@DanielHernandez-uy5rk]

If it’s red eyed tree frogs or glass frogs, that would be so amazing 😻

[@jacobgeorge9538]

So glad u did this video. This is exact build i have been planning for weeks. Gonna pull the trigger soon as the tank alone is like 350. Planning on putting in an emerald tree boa, fish, and turtles. Thanks so much ur the man.

[@eoincollins1883]

I just finished a project with this exoterra, it is a class bit of kit.

[@montanaaquarists3719]

Great job MD! You'll need a mister for those plants and to help keep your water level right. Looks amazing!!!

[@namelast8621]

And it's nice seeing your wife helped you out

[@goneviral6037]

Using the original background is a great ideas!

[@elainedennehy6738]

Love love love this. Just amazing.

[@Maltechr]

You could use a drill attachment for the carving of the "shiny stuff" .. either a wire or flap wheel.. Will speed it up alot :)

[@mandyminshull2351]

You’ve been watching Tanner and his amazing designs. Looks fabulous

[@JoaoGomes-ce4th]

Amazing job MD, love the selection of plants.

[@mellissaedens6047]

Stunning! I'm hoping to put something like this together with my big kids (8,6) this school year so we can raise tadpoles and learn about that lifecycle. Our neighborhood lake is full of California Tree Frogs/Pacific Chorus Frogs. Have to do more research but lovely inspiration! Have a fantastic weekend!

[@drdoolittlefishhobbyist6055]

Off the chart mate. I love it.

[@kevinsellars7941]

Wow that looks awesome especially for a first build 100/10

[@l.chr.6653]

Wauw! You totally blow my mind!! You have outdone yourself MD! It's so beautiful and what a lot of details you've created! I love your paludarium / flooded rainforest / fishtank build! :-) :-) :-)

[@timieboy15]

You are an architect MD!

[@VincentKearney1967]

Great build and your kids are adorable! Thnx for the Video.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Great Job my dude!! Looks really really good!! Should grow in very nicely! Some nice small vines like Marcgravia will really help fill in the spots in between the main plants!

[@TroyGoldberg]

Also, for the bromeliads... the will root much faster and better if you actually cut off all the roots it has currently.... cut them all off so it’s back to bare stolon... and it will root and establish much better

[@thomasbagwell2171]

This is amazing ❤Inspiration for my big Exo Terra on the way

[@eoincollins1883]

Still one of my favourite builds. Love it, inspired me to build my own

[@ayanpal1]

LOVED the setup! Really curious to see what amphibians will go in here. Super excited and eagerly waiting!

[@ginnykrudewig5697]

Did anyone else read the “mind your own business” like the French taunter in Monty Python and the Holy Grail? Just me?

[@vEGan1909]

Ginny Krudewig not just you 😂

[@s.a.m.simplified4598]

I saw it to.

[@bitt3rsweet790]

Saw It Too HAHAHA

[@clydesmith1855]

U so creative in making the changes u want. Love your video's. 🇿🇦

[@serenadominguez974]

Packing in the polyurethane foam was really satisfying

[@danielcain5003]

Give him 10k extra like for the smiling baby. 🤗

[@justinsalmons376]

This is amazing great first attempt, you are totally gifted wish I had half the skill keep it up love the videos

[@littlefella9838]

Looks like a good frog habitat!

[@mgl63823]

Another great video from the man. Love it, Love it, Love it

[@camsfishadventures]

You always make the most beautiful tanks

[@MDFishTanks]

thank you

[@mowolf2620]

Great tank, really cool content as always, thanks a lot :D quick question: is the „how to improve your tank“ series over? I love these videos, are you planning on doing more in the future?

[@iangoodwin1839]

This looks amazing but the only thing I would have done differently would be making a subtle waterfall to flow water from the bottom into the roots of the plants. Keep it up!

[@zaidcreighton3182]

I like watching your buidls and designs I just like everything you do and I agree 💯 with u on keeping your fish small

[@moirahair3845]

Your an inspiration, absolutely marvellous, thank you.

[@caro0303]

Its absolutely stunning!!

[@namelast8621]

Wow man your daughter is getting so big

[@mellissaedens6047]

@Timothy Newitt in the high chair? With the frilly tank top? I definitely thought/think it's a girl....

[@theprelovedpixie1255]

Highly recommend you invest in either the arcadia jungle dawn led plant growth bar or Reptile Systems Pro Ten led plant growth bar as the bulbs you have in the canopy will not be as good. In fact I'd ditch the canopy altogether. Great build 👏

[@btdarterschannel112]

You nailed it!! That setup is stunning!! 😃🐟🌿🌱💦👍

[@ItCantRainAllTheTime1988]

I’ve been considering doing this with all my exo terra foam backgrounds for a long time I really don’t want to put anything directly on the glass seems it would be more fun this way too.

[@stevemunn367]

That’s a great scape 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jekaterinamedvecka7014]

21:56 mate thats java moss :D

[@chinchou012]

Lamo I noticed that as well he put java fern instead of java moss too funny actually 🤣🤣🤣

[@franciscofortunato1864]

Maravillosa ejecución! Gracias por mostrar tu buen hacer!

[@amcgeckos]

This would make a great enclosure for some dart frogs for sure. I really want to make something like this for some of my fish and my female corn snake named Bindi (yes after Steve Irwin daughter). Very very cool enclosure!!

[@BigShrimpin416]

Dart frogs can’t swim, the water feature would be dangerous if they fell in

[@thanhlong.ngo2020]

Hello from Vietnam! It's so beautiful!

[@abuzdream]

Great video to understand lot of things which looks difficult to achieve 👍👌✌️Thank you

[@masterchock328]

Looks awesome! Looking forward to updates

[@nanoreaper5002]

Very cool... build If you are putting any kind of frogs in there make sure that they poison the fish... some Toads and frogs will do that.. But love the way it looks.. just add some Iso pods and spring tails too deal with animal waste and you will be golden.

[@MDFishTanks]

yeah I'll be sure to look into it.

[@nanoreaper5002]

Don't Poison the Fish... Ugh Can't type at 6:45 am

[@hulkout7457]

Awesome enclosure , you gave me some ideas on how I want to do mine.

[@mollieman4639]

Wow it looks amazing!! Good job😃😃

[@jcray2565]

Great work MD that background looks so natural. Would you consider a version of a paludarium with a moss / living wall using a water pump to feed the top ? Love the energy in this video

[@knottyinks1]

I’m thinking of picking up the hobby again, this time with an exo terror shrimp tank, would love to see how this one developed..

[@missdimples1982]

It's like amazing live art!

[@lifewithcats5446]

WOW!!! AMAZING!

[@stuartfullbrook881]

Archer fish would be awesome in that style tank 👍🏻

[@gromit2478]

Looks good! Have you ever tried Seachem Stability? It guarantees that you can add fish straight away without worrying about new tank syndrome. I've used it on multiple tanks and never lost any.

[@viddiespets4873]

Stunning enclosure MD🔥👊👍

[@MDFishTanks]

cheers mate

[@tamasfekete7302]

Hello MD, I thoroughly enjoyed your video! I stumbled upon this Exo Terrarium/Paludarium just recently in a local shop, feeling light years behind your expertise. Your video was incredibly inspirational as I adore such setups. However, I noticed it was posted three years ago. I'm curious, what became of this remarkable setup? It appears the Exo Terrarium didn't make it to your new studio. Was there a particular reason for this? I'm eager to hear your long-term review of the paludarium. What adjustments would you make if you were to do it again? Do you have any plans to create a similar setup in the near future? I am thinking of using it for a Borneo-style tannin water river-edge setup to house licorice gouramis and, of course, create a rainforest-style jungle above it.