Closed terrarium mistakes and how to avoid them

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Check out my terrarium building course (A to Z of Terrarium Building) here kzbin.info/aero/PL2B6lN6qObdqpxnaF3u30ETDgYVID3PlI

[@marlanesavage8753]

I'm sorry so sorry not drunk just dyslexic. Can't spell to save life and just so sorry .

[@marlanesavage8753]

THANK YOU

[@Віталік-ж6к]

you can name the melody

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

@@Віталік-ж6к its in the description. Emotional piano by Akexander Nakarada

[@saruyamahideyoshi4996]

i have question. do I need to add Nutrients to water when spraying it to my terrarium...? if it so, what kind of nutrient sollution I should add...? can I use Charcoal in next layer after Gravel...? thanks for advice.

[@mellewedin8221]

Adding spring tails, or woodlouse would prevent mold and such. Not only that, they will help the plants out a bit too.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Very true and thanks for the note. This video is mostly aimed at folks who do not have access to beneficial critters which is quite common in my region. Feel free to check out my video on springtails and terrarium care.

[@to_discover_life]

Everyday woodlice? Like the ones I can find in my forest? Thanks for the advice

[@liam.config]

@@to_discover_life yeah. Roley poleys if you will haha

[@marlanesavage8753]

that's the name of the bug I was looking for thanks got sinapeads doughty they help thanks again

[@kandisescanvases6960]

@@to_discover_life I'd just keep an eye on any Isopods/woodlice you decide to add, they can be known to eat the plants.

[@SMee67]

Number 7 can be completely eliminated by adding Springtails, they will eat all mould and keep you terrarium healthy and in pristine condition on the bio scale. All plants and gardens need the eco balance these little guys can provide and save you a lot of frustration and cleaning maintenance. Springtails can be bought online or caught in your own back yard. Plenty of information online how to do this very easily if you don't want to buy them. Springtails are all over the globe and there are thousands of different varieties. Great video mate, love the look of your terrariums 👍🏽

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks for the note. Yes springtails are very useful indeed. Do check out my videos on springtails and mold prevention. Thanks

[@SMee67]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Haha, awesome, didn't know you had one. Cheers mate👍🏽

[@pershop4950]

is there any possibility that the springtail population gets too big for the terrarium and then they become a problem? or also, they end up not having enough food?

[@SMee67]

@@pershop4950 If the colony gets too big then you can move some to other potted plant, terrariums, or even put them in your garden. They do well on yeast, or just add a some leaf litter for them to eat. Heaps of information online and here on KZbin about how to care for them.👍🏽

[@renske9637]

This maybe seems a bit silly to the seasoned terrarium builder, however the background of these tips I very much appreciate. I knew for example I had to put in a flash bottom but I did not know why (durr it's for drainage). This vid does tell me why, as well as that for aquatic plants, aquasoil would be enough. This makes me feel a lot more confident about what I'm doing!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Happy to know. Thanks

[@parisgreen4600]

Clear and useful instructions, beautifully filmed, with soothing music. Thank you!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you 🙏

[@jonathans7550]

This masterclass is what I needed to learn and understand your hobby. I will definitely look into the course online. I need all the details and understanding to be good at your craft.💫

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Glad you find the content useful. Thanks

[@eozineable]

I have placed a cactus alone in a closed jar almost 2 years ago, and seem to have overwatered it since it is always moisty in there, and it i sitting on a window with direct sunlight for about 2-4 hours per day The cactus is still alive and well, with some moss on the substrate, sometime nature really is more resilient than one might think

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

That is absolutely amazing to know. I would like to have more details about the setup and learn more about it. Pls share pictures on my instagram if possible. Pls also share- Your geographic location Container, type of lid it has and substrate used Scientific name of the cactus Heres my insta handle instagram.com/the_urban_nemophilist?r=nametag

[@eozineable]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist will do, as soon as i am home

[@leanne4006]

Such a beautifully put together video. Very relaxing as well as informative ❤

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@michaels5705]

Excellent video, Sushanto! Valuable information delivered beautifully. Clear Concise statements focusing on the topic, not telling us about what your dog ate for breakfast, or your underwear color preference. Thanks for posting.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@DeanR3]

Love the format of this and all usefull , more on aquarium plant tips would be amazing and how to convert from submerged plants to emersed.

[@Paper_Filter]

Thank you for the video I need to choose better glass container, then

[@dwade6322]

On a daily basis,should you see condensation to the point that the glass looks a bit 'blurry' to look through? What are signs that it is too moist in a closed terrarium...anyone?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Condensation is normal and an indication of the water cycle. However it should clear up duting the day when inside and outside temperatures match. If its too fogged up all day round it could be overwatering. Sometimes it can happen due to quality of glass if its too thick resulting in poor conduction of heat.

[@dwade6322]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thank you! 👍

[@wheremylifego3790]

​@dwade6322 good question , I'm about to attempt one in the next coming days, I am only watching urban so I don't go overwhelming myself with info, we are so lucky to have this channel ❤️ #namaste

[@wheremylifego3790]

​@@TheUrbanNemophilistlove you bro #namastemybrother thank you for taking the time to be able to give us top class info and not to mention replying to your viewers 🎉love that

[@wheremylifego3790]

How is yours coming along?

[@aquascopic9867]

Nice informative video. Considering building my first terrarium and hence the timing of this video in my feed is opportune.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you! Happy to know that you find it informative.

[@JadeyFadeyMCR]

good tips. This will really help me with my second try! I just planted a new terrarium and will keep a closer eye on it this time. And now I know what to do for the humidity and stuff. I am thinking about making another terrarium with my baby anthuriums, but I'm not sure if they're suitable for this? Internet has not been very helpful so far. I would hate for them to die as I spent 2 years growing them from seeds (I randomly had fruits on my big anthurium)

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@paulavish5482]

This is so informative! So much is learned from this video. Priceless tips! 👍👍👍

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks Paul Avish

[@RightSaidDeb]

Great video - thanks for the tips. Question - what do you suggest using for the mesh barrier layer btw the false bottom and substrate? I see some ppl suggesting carbon fibre mesh but I can only find carbon fibre fabric. Is fibreglass mesh ok to use?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks. Fibreglass is fine. You can use a muslin cloth or even a piece of polythene with holes punched into it.

[@pershop4950]

you can also use window screen.

[@katepanthera7265]

Non-metal window screen. Metal will rust inside terrarium.

[@harryme472]

Great tips my friend. Location in particular , can make a huge difference when keeping a terrarium.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@amytan4641]

Great video! Can you make videos showing common signs of dying plants and how to prevent it

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will try to make one in the future. Thank you

[@begoniasarawak]

I made a terrarium about a month ago. It has a small hole at the top and recently added a bit of moisture to my mosses. After a few days I noticed small flys (looks like fungus gnats) inside the terrarium. Any advice on how to prevent this? I didn’t have them for the first month I had the terrarium, only after I added a bit of water to the mosses.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

It’s common in open terrariums. You could trap them with sticky cards or let the terrarium dry out a bit. Once it’s clear of gnats you should find a way to close the terrarium.

[@sirblue5586]

Just don't have a hole. Use sand to completely cover the substrate so no moisture. They need moisture to lay eggs

[@AJArciniegas]

You can make a diluted neem oil solution. Safe for plants and keeps bugs and their egg away. Just be aware of UV sensitivity for couple days post.

[@wb8047]

awesome thanks for your video, I'll be saving it for when I set up a terrarium in the future!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@rugmancws]

i made in in a small jar like that in the beginning and sense i live in a place with quite a bit of sun in the south, none of the animals inside have died nore have the plants necessarily cuz they grow back very quick i mean like within a day and the isopods stay healthy even when the plants die because they have other food sources that grow inside. and my isopods have even mated. Its been nearly 7 months!, and they're still thriving! oh and i dont even use artificial lights.

[@Ark4dlusZ]

Can i use my bedroom light for the terrarium? Or it needs a stronger light?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

All about lighting covered here kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWSQiIOZa9NgbKM

[@samuelbailey8173]

Watching this and realizing you made every mistake possible

[@carriedaway3642]

Blhahahahaha

[@travelwiththamanna]

Thank you for sharing this knowledge.

[@katepanthera7265]

Great video. To the point, and easy to understand. Really appreciate it! Will also check out your other videos. I'm wanting to make a terrarium with a bella palm, some fittonia, and moss. Don't want to keep it closed, cause palm might rot if kept in closed container. Don't want to use springtails if it'll be open part of the time. Anything else I can use to prevent mold? My house is pretty dry, so terrarium will have to be closed part of the time to keep good humidity level, but don't want it closed all the time. Any suggestions?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you 🙏. Open terrariums are not prone to mold. I would suggest a closed setup. You can check out mold prevention tips in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6bVqa19e6-bnKs

[@katepanthera7265]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thanks! I always appreciate reference to another video. Sometimes the playlists are so long, I can't find what I'm looking for. Have a great day!

[@artinpoetsoulnature]

Wonderful terrascape art work👍👍👍 💯💯

[@norhaslinahassan8290]

A very good tips for a beginner 👍 Tq so much

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@dcphifer4307]

Great summary. Great Job. Thanks.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@shadowscythes]

Thanks for the tips! One question: I don't have access to artificial lights, at least not the type that you would use for this kind of thing as they're usually quite expensive. Indirect light would be fine, right? Like having the terrariums on a shelf on the other side of the room from a window that doesn't get too much sun through the day.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Indirect sunlight may not always work. Artificial lights are better.

[@MultiKwolf]

yes it would, whatever is convenient

[@anthawker6987]

any led light will work

[@selinaarcher184]

i would suggest for aquariums to still have gravel underneath the aqua soil, because it acts as a filtration layer and helps colonies of beneficial bacteria to form.

[@brianbyrne7271]

Brilliant loved every second of your vid!!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@musicmad52]

Good n informative video. Thanks .

[@TerrariumLover]

Hey, thank you for making this video, it helped me alot!😉

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Happy to know it was helpful. Thank you

[@valentinsteinerberger6173]

Very good video! However I have a question in regards to the lighting. Is your typical lamp enough to sustain such an ecosystem or do you need more special lighting? Thanks in advance.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks. Any white led light should work

[@valentinsteinerberger6173]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist thanks! I'll try a waterecosphere with 8-10 h of lighting a day and see if that works ^^

[@dcphifer4307]

@@valentinsteinerberger6173 I am starting a heavily Planted Aquarium. I learned that too much light can cause also cause Algae to grow... along with a heavy nutrient rich substrate.

[@dcphifer4307]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist so, a full-spectrum light would be too much?

[@sheebasultan1145]

Very useful information. Thank you.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@ZVEKOfficial]

Hey I'm planning to build an open terrarium using a large unused fish bowl I've got lying around. I'm gonna follow all your tips + adding springtails to combat the mold issue (I live in India, so it gets pretty humid and mold is definitely gonna show up in no time). Do I need to keep it closed with a glass lid or is it okay if I leave it open ? And any plants you'd recommend growing alongside Fittonia?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Depends on where you live in India. You will need RH 70% plus. If you get that level naturally the terrarium may thrive open but I would still recommend a lid. Below videos on mold prevention and plants may be useful for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6bVqa19e6-bnKs kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZmTfYZvea-AnKc kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2KohYKegamjh68

[@iehashimoto]

thanks for the vid! can I put some product to not condense water and make it easier to see ?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks. I am not very clear on your question. Condensation is important because it is an indication of the water cycle inside the closed ecosystem.

[@alexiadubuis843]

Thanks for the tips, i just built my first terrarium! But how often do i have to spray water in the terrarium like you did after opening it? Only when i feel like its to dry or regularly?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

You are welcome. Answers to your question in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5PQp5Rne6tng8U. Thanks

[@kanikasoni1868]

Nice work..

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you

[@marktalaroc2110]

Such an informative content. Thanks for this

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@johng311]

Amazing ! So peaceful

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@nicksfarzo3398]

I recently made my first terrarium with tropical plants. My container lid is wooden. If I have a grow light over it, will enough light bend around and reach the plants even though the top lid isn't clear, or should I create a clear lid of some sort?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Clear lid needed

[@mastervule1844]

I already see how your channel will become more popular in future! :D Just wanna be one of those people who will say I was here before they had 10k subs :P

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

😀

[@aqualabcreations]

Awesome video and very relaxing!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you very much!

[@catalinazumaran4610]

So, about the light, do we need to keep the terrarium in a dark room with only artificial lights over it all the time?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Answers in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWSQiIOZa9NgbKM

[@tawsifking9336]

You don't need artificial to keep then alive sunlight works too just not direct sun light

[@unknownuser4060]

You can keep it in the sunlight only, just not in direct sunlight. The reason is that it will burn the plants. You know how when you get into a car on a hot day and inside the car is so much hotter than outside? Essentially the same thing will happen with your plants. Just avoid direct sunlight and you should be good.

[@iolaani]

For mold you can also use spring tails ;)

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Very true and thanks for the note. This video is mostly aimed at folks who do not have access to beneficial critters which is quite common in my region. Feel free to check out my video on springtails and terrarium care.

[@유지태-l9s]

Very helpful and nice music thanks!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@Scotland_the_Brave1984_McCabe]

Why remove mould why not just add springtail and such to eat it and keep it down to start with,serious question....I'm on my first one and have made many of these mistakes like no false bottom and mine is thriving ,although mine is moss and fern only...but them wee bugs do their jobs ...Also Isopods 🙂

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

More info here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYPEioWuapx9gs0si=11z6UAbWcVZsG2f2

[@pdshayma5929]

What a lovely video!

[@SubhajitDeb]

I got two mother plants of fitonnia. What is the best way to propagate more from them?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

You can propagate from stem cuttings.

[@AquaGardenZen]

Very good and informative video thank you for sharing

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

You are welcome. Thank you

[@gardenerdepot2901]

very tips was awesome

[@cristinapereiraleite]

So nice and relaxing

[@oksanadzhavala1424]

Thank you! You spared me time, money, efforts and disappointment… I wanted to try making terrarium with one of my ferns, but not doing it anymore. Too much trouble…

[@keerthi321]

How do we season wood? Do we boil wood?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

You can only sterilise wood by boiling. Seasoning is a longer process. It happens in nature over a period of time. You could also study about seasoning processes on the internet which can range from soaking in water to kiln burning.

[@silverust0922]

Beautiful video. Nice and simple. What is the name of the song in your video? I would love to learn how to play it on the piano! :)

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks. Its in the description

[@aliffiandrie]

thank u very much!

[@Green-Learnings]

Hello I’ve following your channel very closely being a nature lover and terrarium enthusiast. I have a question.. How to plant Riccia fluitans in a terrarium, using SWA cup. ? Do we need to insert it a little in soil to form a carpet or just keep it over the Aquasoil ?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks. Just place it over soil

[@Green-Learnings]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thanks bro

[@Green-Learnings]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist even i wish to share my work with you, all Learnt from you

[@unitedbeast6614]

Condensation takes place on my terrarium as well but it won't stay for long

[@unknownuser4060]

Yes condensation is basically the rain for the plants. Since the water inside cant evapourate and make clouds, it evapourates and creates condensation on the glass which then drips down onto the plants. Completeing the water cycle.

[@toadsterer747]

I made my first native terrarium a week ago it was not only a plant terrarium it had also isopods, springtails, snails and a spider. I followed every tip I added a right amount of water, light and a drainage layer. But I also added a lot of substrate which filled most of the terrarium. (For example plants like grass could not fully extend it's leaves)After 5 days isopods and springtails started dying and plants turned yellow. Could too much substrate be the problem?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

That could be a reason. There can be several other factors too.

[@toadsterer747]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thank you

[@dcphifer4307]

I filter my drinking water. This is the same filtered water that I use for me, my dog, my House Plants, and my Freshwater Aquarium.

[@sarahd3422]

Is there any way to make a terrarium that regulates itself and does not need maintenance?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes if you are not bothered about looks or failures because they can fail or look very overgrown and poor. Try bigger containers and it may be possible to successfully build an eternal terrarium.

[@rubinous2510]

Great video, thanks 👍

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

You are welcome. Thanks

[@yoshikagekirascat3397]

Hi quick question is medical gauze a good barrier for the false substrate? Also great video

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thank you. Never used it but feel free to try it out. Does it have any medical coating or finish? Let me know how it worked.

[@yoshikagekirascat3397]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist no it doesn't it's like a cloth material used for blood

[@realjacko_smako272]

Hey mate, I made a closed terrarium today and it got two large cracks on both sides from the top to bottom, I sealed it with silicone do you know why it cracked?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

No idea at all

[@beta4201]

Could be some gasses coming from something and building a high pressure, cracking the jar

[@JustinS06]

@@beta4201 Gasses usually don't build up so quickly to a pressure that is high enough to crack a jar. I guess it may have been because you accidentally put it down too hard and it cracked, or that you bought it already cracked but didn't notice. If you're sure that isn't the case, then it may have been from a quick temperature change. Otherwise, sorry that I couldn't help!

[@dr4gonbloodx]

Hi, I have a fittonia plant in a closed terrarium and lately the leaves have turned yellow and droopy. Could it be due to overwatering? If so, what should I do?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Really difficult to say without taking a close look. Can be due to overwatering or other reasons like lighting and temperature. If you have identified overwatering as the cause then you can leave the lid open to let some moisture evaporate out. If plant is in a very bad shape rehousing in a conditioning box may also help.

[@dr4gonbloodx]

Thanks for your reply! I tried adding links of pictures I took but they kept getting auto-deleted. I suspected overwatering was the cause partly because there's a ton of condensation on the terrarium walls. So now I'm leaving it open for a couple of days to see how it goes 🤞

[@belledarling2365]

Hi there, I made up two terrariums and one is thriving while the other went bad! I removed all the dead plants but now what’s left is covered in mould, should I just empty and start again or add a load of springtails and hope they can clean up? Thanks for any advice

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

I think it would be better to empty and start again

[@kktan7206]

Hi, May I know the reason as to why cushion moss tend to turn white after a while? Thanks

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Some types of moss may not work very well in enclosed spaces.

[@kktan7206]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Tks

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Very helpful ❗️

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Happy to know. Thanks

[@weepingcamel1]

Hi guys, couple questions: 1. can I use coffee grounds as substrate? 2. I live in a desert, impossible to find tropical plants, or springtails, any suggestions on what plants I should use?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Closed terrariums are generally for moisture living tropical plants only. Coffee grounds as substrate not sure. You can try. Springtails are not essential but good to have.

[@chieeyeoh6204]

I see condensation all the time but the soil layer is quite dry. Did I overdo the misting? Should I use dripper instead?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Somtimes its not overwatering. Some quality of glass with very poor conductivity can result in continuous condensation due to difference in outside and inside temperature. Certain climatic conditions can also result in heavy condensation like very hot or raining conditions with high humidity.

[@plantslovemadii2217]

I have a question I have all of the above in my terrarium except a rock bottom I have a mini orchid that looks to have lost some roots I caught it pretty early but is keeping the terrarium open a good idea? I think it might have been getting too much light/humidity to be an enclosed plant terrarium. Lmk please

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Diffucult to say without getting into details and taking a closer look. However you can always try the open method. Let me know the results. Thank you

[@ramblingtwitproductions1546]

What if you're creating a wild terrarium from plants from outside. Should the wood and stones still be sterilized?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes always better. But you can use direct too for native builds if you like.

[@lavenderpurp6610]

Helpful thanks

[@phillipluna3650]

Anyone know what I could use instead of springtails I live in the southwest reign along the new Mexico and Texas border where it's less likely to find in the wild or maybe even how to farm my own soringtails

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

You could check out this video in answer to your query kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYPEioWuapx9gs0

[@preetipateria]

Nerve plant didn’t survive in my terrarium - fern and syngonium did...I think water was too much may be...but not sure

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Nerve plants can be difficult at times. They love high humidity but do not like their roots sitting in moist soil

[@mgoi2254]

nah, ya water the terrarium once, close it up, and you're good to go.

[@SnozBerryQueen]

Agreed.

[@ExtraLeben]

so it waters itself through condensation ?

[@YT__Account]

@@ExtraLeben yep

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes that is how it should be. But initially during setup one needs to be careful about the watering. The initial weeks are critical and the terrarium should be monitored for the water levels over or under. Once the rain cycle sets in it should be on autopilot. It can be lightly misted to replenish any moisture loss during maintenance sessions only if needed.

[@neonice]

As said at 2:00, did you watch the video lol

[@yazunakami-ro1vo]

Is a barrier really necessary to separate substrate and the false bottom?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

I don’t use it anymore for smaller builds but I can recommend for larger ones. It also helps prevent mixing up of substrate and gravel in the event if a dismantle.

[@yazunakami-ro1vo]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thankyou!

[@LoPhoBoi]

Everytime, a lot of small flies coming from nowhere, probably from the soil...

[@CR7SIUUUU34-s2c]

Is it okay to open a closed terrarium? To trim and remove mold

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes

[@KingofMoss]

brillant advice

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Thanks

[@warren4838]

what kinds of artificial lights should we use

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Covered here kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWSQiIOZa9NgbKM

[@vinayaballal5562]

I only have one terrarium so can I use a study lamp for light?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes sure.

[@bobbymalta73]

Thank You.

[@JustinS06]

Not all of these are true though. It completely depends on your plant choice. If you only go for tiny plants which don't grow a lot and have short roots, then a false bottom isn't necessary. Secondly, glass lids (depending on the shape) sometimes still reflect the light, so it isn't always as helpful as you may think. Plus, those metal lids on jars won't rust, because they are made not to (at least for a very very long time). Overwatering also depends on your plant types, but it is almost always the reason for a failed terrarium so I'd keep an eye out on that one. Terrariums don't need artificial light (though it is the best choice). As long as they get an indirect source of light, it's fine. This can be achieved by putting the terrarium in front of a window facing North or facing a window with many trees in front which block most of the light. Cacti should definitely never go in a terrarium, although many succulents are successful in them I'd look it up to be sure which ones work and which don't. Boiling hardscaping also only kills few of the bacteria, but not everything, Depending on which object it is, I'd just microwave it or not do anything with it. Opening terrariums should never be done (except when it's absolutely necessary because of overwatering) as the whole point of a terrarium is that it's closed. An open terrarium is literally a jar with a plant, nothing else. In the end, I never like to open a terrarium after a few weeks of making one, because I believe it's supposed to be overgrown and do what it wants. The point of an ecosystem is to get an ecosphere in a jar. Maintaining it yourself basically ruins that whole idea. (Unless you just want a jar with a nice plant in it of course)

[@OrtencaKajo]

Can a terrarium survive without adding micro insects to it? Thanks

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Firstly thanks for watching the entire video and posting a detailed comment. What you are saying are exceptions that are always there. In this video I am more focused on points that has worked for me and others who follow my content. This is all based mostly on my experience from trial and error over the years. I strongly believe that these points if followed will provide long term success. I also focus on aesthetics where maintenance and upkeep becomes necessary. Do bear in mind that results will vary across geographies. There are regions in my country where in certain months of the year it becomes next to impossible to keep a terrarium alive.Thank you

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes it can. Thank you

[@OrtencaKajo]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist thanks for your reply. Brilliant work. 👏 lots to learn from

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

@@OrtencaKajo thanks a lot

[@Wolfsgejaule]

What i don't understand is why would i sterilize it when i collect woodland myself? Don't i want the bacteria and little critters for good biodiversity?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

To avoid mold which can destroy the terrarium

[@icycupoffreshlemonade3194]

How so you deal with excess water gathering at the bottom? Wouldn’t it keep accumulating?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Covered here kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5PQp5Rne6tng8U

[@KazeToon]

please suggest some animals/insects that can survive in a closed terrarium for a week

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Springtails. More than weeks

[@terrascape777]

Good afternoon. Please tell me what kind of musical composition sounds at the beginning of the video?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Music details in the description

[@marlanesavage8753]

well still batting mold not as bad but I just so happe to have asadently put two baby sinapieads in will they help

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Not sure. You could also check out this video on mold prevention kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6bVqa19e6-bnKs

[@chaserflies2595]

I’ve sterilized all my wood and stone only thing I haven’t is my 60 pound peice of mopani wood in my 120 gallon vivarium would be a little too hard too😅

[@LauraGarcia-jd8tx]

🙏🏼 Thank you ! 💃

[@LukasVist]

if I left it half a day in the sunlight, will the plants already be dead?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Mostly yes

[@eternaldonut3128]

Well, if you keep opening the terrarium to trim plants, then it's not exactly self sustaining, is it?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

In this context it means that it can sustain on its own without regular care like watering and fertilising once it is established. Trimming becomes necessary due to growth in an enclosed space. Bigger containers can eliminate the need for a long time.

[@silverstar1726]

herbivores will help with making sure the plants aren’t overcrowded, right?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

I don’t use anything except springtails as these are small closed setups. Plants adapt and grow slow.

[@wcdeich4]

If it is that much work, I wonder if it is worth it...

[@TheReaper569]

I disagree on removing all dryed leaves and moss. Rotting plants adds nutriants to soil. Soil will eventually be depletes if you do nothing. Egg shells from breakfast can feed soil well, but to be used in prepearing soil not adding it to an established terrarium. Because it would look ugly.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Not during the first 4-5 weeks after setup. It can dis-balance the it. Once established then dey leaves can be left inside. (I however still remove some from foreground for aesthetic purposes)

[@kylan419]

Terrariums can also be kept in indirect sunlight, doesnt need to be just led's

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes you can. However lux levels can be low in indirect lighting. Plants can also exhibit phototaxi which may alter scape. More details in my video on terrarium lighting kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWSQiIOZa9NgbKMsi=1q4wQK78Z3zTGGlg

[@kylan419]

@@TheUrbanNemophilist Thank you for linking your video, That's something I was unaware of. Do you know if outside plants can be planted inside of a terrarium?

[@eternaldonut3128]

Question: Can a false bottom just be rocks or pebbles?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Yes

[@rammyani7912]

If I make an open terrarium how often do I water them?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Will depend on the size of the container and how fast the water in substrate evaporated. You will need to water whenever the soil gets dry. Will also depend on the type of plants. Tropical plants may need frequent watering. Cacti and succulents need to be kept on the drier side.

[@josephsison6271]

So small size is a common mistake but you used a vial?

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

How do I learn if i don’t make one myself. Whatever I share here comes from my learnings. This video is intended for beginners as mentioned in the description. The idea is to ensure success because failures at initial stages of a hobby can be discouraging and upsetting. Having said that one is free to experiment beyond the learnings that I share. Thank you