DIY Naturalistic Coco Fiber Liner Background (Aquarium to Viv Conversion pt.2B)

[@drew-shourd]

DUDE....you freaking rock!! I have been in this hobby for decades, owned an aquarium store in Los Angeles and as an artist have always been making vivariums, terrariums and paludariums and you sir are an awesome tutorialist...if that is even a word. I feel super blessed to have found your channel.

[@rohanpani622]

I found a 10 gallon and this series is still super helpful in 2024!

[@feliciawilliams112]

Thank you, I have been wanting to start working on my vivarium, but had no idea how to create the background, coincidentally I have all the supplies already. Love you man!

[@vee7586]

good video! i'm excited to try this method as it seems easier and allows for plants to establish into the background itself.

[@TheAdventurousHermits]

With every video I'm more in awe 😮

[@TuckerSP2011]

Looks great, love the topography you sculpted into it. It looked greatat the end.

[@SerpaDesign]

Thank you!

[@willarn1]

Woo hoo! A new SerpaDesign video. Nice.

[@shannonlastname4056]

Love it. I’m gonna use this for hermit crabs. It’s perfect because the coconut husk covers anything that shouldn’t be eatten by the crabs.

[@stevemiller8239]

Awesome as usual. I do not know if I have the patience or the skill to pull this off myself.

[@jonisolis9645]

How long does the coco-husk mat last in a very humid environment? Thanks!

[@weirdazzicewing6544]

long time but i recommend using silicone for that cause its waterproof

[@joaswessels8430]

Hey, Maybe you can sometime make a terrarium in a big wineglass, I did it too and it looks amazing!

[@curvingfyre6810]

Definitely an interesting method. Id be curious about more natural materials than styrofoam. The idea of putting microplastics in my scapes doesnt sit right with me personally. One decent option might actually be sheetrocks like slate, sandstone, or shale, stacked on top of a piece of cut stone like a tile. Odds are you could easily find them in the right sizes and shapes to emulate that multilayered effect. And you could even have gaps in the mat at places for a more realistic rocky cliff face look.

[@rolandocaballero5940]

🤩 Wow diffinitely i’ll apply to this method making my own background 👍🏼

[@LunaelleSonic333]

Could you combine this method with the great foam method, and put great foam on top of a styrofoam sheet, then silicone the sheet into the tank? Would that make it easier to remove the background?

[@LunaelleSonic333]

An update: I tried this and the great foam warped and curved the styrofoam sheet. So I guess no

[@charleswellington1123]

Nicely done sir!

[@alexb.6640]

you gotta upload more often bro i love this stuff

[@CC-zd6nv]

Your stuff is amazing! I'm trying to build an orchidarium/vivarium using an Exo Terra 90x45x60cm terrarium. I want a naturalist background that can be used to attache the orchids, will this coconut fiber method work for that? I only want to grow orchids and maybe some (moss, air plants or carnivorous). I want a natural but clean and easy to maintain vivarium, any tips for a newbie?

[@petravermeer9328]

I like this example very much . But I think not good for crickets ?

[@chrisrichardson1916]

Thank you for sharing again very informative very easy to follow ..where do I aquire the coco mating ? Please .Tia

[@Garmodon]

Hello! I watched the vivarium vid for Henry where you made three foam based backgrounds for three sides. I was wondering if something like that can be done with this method? I have a limited money to work with, and this seems a lot cheaper. I hope this gets seen even though I'm quite a bit late haha.

[@katiebug5273]

Is there any concern with not dealing the foam with drylok or anything similar? I actually have everything to do this finally and just thought about that.

[@Flamoco]

Hey i went with this type of design and am having a hard time getting plants in the cocounut liner backround or how to go about it any tips would be greatly appreciated thank you

[@MorbidGames666]

perfection

[@cheshire8780]

Hi, I love your videos and I was wondering something🤔I’ve been wanting to make a realistic background for my girl Nagini but I’m a little stuck😅I want it to be removable so that I can easily clean it but my tank have sliding doors and that’s the only entrance the tank has🙂I want to know what you suggest I could do to ensure that the background fits the tank and can get through the sliding doors🙂

[@kellieblood7928]

Could you combine this method and the other method with the expanding foam? So use this styrofoam, shape it, then add silicone and top with spagh/orchid bark/coco fiber? Just seems like it may be easier than trying to do it all inside the tank.

[@Expeditionwildside]

nice video and good idea!

[@0MochiBear0]

Would this work in a wooden vivarium and just cut holes where the air vents are? I'd like to make a back ground but I don't want it to be permanently stuck to the wood. It would be for a corn snake.

[@wizbiz1589]

Is coco mat safe to use for spiders and mantids? I'm just thinking that maybe mantids would get their legs tangled in them. Can anyone advise please?

[@ArTicKiiTTiiNs]

Amazing as always. Is the construction your own original idea? Very clever I must say.

[@SerpaDesign]

Thank you. I thought of it on my own and have never seen anyone use the two in this way. So to my knowledge it's original.

[@collinfarrell9718]

Hi, I'm wondering how the coco fiber mat turned out after a while. Specifically, will moss grow on the coco fiber like it will on tree fern panel? Thanks

[@yadadsellsavon1703]

Collin Farrell yes

[@abbyss007]

Your videos are so inspirational! However I Can't seem to get the cocofiber to stay with hot glue. Any suggestions?

[@apctool2006]

Question, i did a similar set up following your lead (that’s for all of the tips!), I was wondering where (if you would) recommend putting a heat source? I have a small (10-20gal) heat pad and planned on putting it on the side of the tank but I wasn’t sure where. I currently have two walls of the set up with styrofoam this way. Thoughts?

[@meljameson1241]

Great video!!!!!

[@GavnerWinterLuver]

Could I put this in a leopard gecko tank or would there be problems with the coco husk hurt the gecko?

[@xiuxiu1108]

What type of plants are suitable for planting in the background of this setup? Is it possible to plant an orchid as a centerpiece?

[@christhuprakash1955]

can we use it as a aquarium background ???

[@juniper754]

Can we add a drip watering system from top when using coco husk/fibre background ?

[@francisparkinson7934]

Nice one uk

[@zincsulfur2639]

Hello, I am planning on making a new background for my Bearded dragon and I am wanting to do one of these but I am concerned the heat will melt the foam behind the coco mat, is there anything I can do to stop that? or is there another way I can make it where it wont melt.

[@svenschallmey3247]

Hi, is the material suitable for high humidity?

[@juliagunnarsson4845]

What way would you recommend for attaching the coconut finer liner, this way or the silicone way? Have you noticed any perks/downsides to any of the two?

[@SerpaDesign]

Plants grow easier onto the liner, but it doesn't look too good until they've done so. On the flip side the silicone method looks good without plants, but it's hard for most plants to root onto it. I think a combination of the two is the way to go if you'll use either.

[@juliagunnarsson4845]

SerpaDesign Just so I’ve understood correctly, attaching the fiber liner with silicone to the styrofoam would make it more difficult for flowers to root? Or do you mean if you do it without the fiberliner and go with the loose substrate on silicone? I’m planning on doing a mix of the two for aesthetic reasons, but want an easy way to attach the mat to my styrofoam :) And Thank you for the quick answer, and making amazing content!

[@Sage_Oblouk]

Where did you get your Versa tool? Does hobby lobby or Walmart sell it? Where would you recommend I buy one that is quality made?

[@SerpaDesign]

I got it at Hobby Lobby. Make sure to use that 40% off coupon!

[@KetchupPumper]

Where do you buy the coco husk mat? Everything I see online is giant rolls for $40+...

[@zekken844]

Wouldn't a foam background be bad for a desert environment vivarium since the heat lamps are extra warm

[@SerpaDesign]

I highly doubt it considering that many prefabricated reptile background are made out of foam.

[@Allard9240]

can you also use burlap for this?

[@WitchAlice]

You’re like a wizard

[@Plantsforme]

Is that GE silicone type 1 or 2? Is it safe for animals?

[@jdia85]

How easy is it to clean the background incase urine and poop get on it?

[@jaxlpic7609]

Hello, I have a question, I'm thinking of purchasing some plants from my local Lowe's or Home Depot, because they are the only stores that carry plants near me. I know that the plants are probably heavily doused in pesticides, but I do not know how to go about disinfecting the plant for later vivarium use. How could I go about cleaning the plant?

[@SerpaDesign]

If you hit up Lowe's at the right time you can find a ton of salvageable plants on clearance for $0.25-$1.00. I have got a lot of great plants that way. Homedepot has some decent plants as well. That said, if you just rinse the plants off with some clean water they will be fine. I have used such plants a lot of the time without any adverse affects. You could also transplant and quarantine them for a bit if you are really concerned.

[@blademail4911]

this might seem stupid question, but for vivarium for bird how different it will be? i saw some people place bird but i cant seem to find whta happened next, will they live for a long time or the will die because its too humid? also, small animal that could gnawing/digging/scraping could they live in there? could u show me how next time?

[@SerpaDesign]

Here's the thing, birds need space to fly. Unless you have an extremely large vivarium, why would you want to keep a bird? Sure there are birds that live in humid environments, just like that of a vivarium. So is it possible, yes. Is it practical and do I suggest it, no. Nor do I suggest and small animals. I will not be keeping such animals either. I primarily work with amphibians, fish and reptiles. You could do some unique things with other types of enclosures if you want to keep animals like this.

[@blademail4911]

cool, jst askin since it looks awesome. but was worried if the animal would be hurt because of it. btw the wall that u make, since it sterofoam would stay for 5 yrs or so. how long foam will survive? considering i want to make it pretty much permanent.

[@minty5259]

Can you do a self sustaining terrarium in a tic tac container

[@SerpaDesign]

Yeah, but why would you want to?

[@michaelalawrie9327]

is this suitable to keep frogs?

[@REALGAMING2016]

Can some one tell me where he gets his coco fiber sheets?!??? I can’t find good quality stuff

[@ink1929]

How might I go about making a rocky or cave wall background?

[@SerpaDesign]

There are a few ways that you could do it. Luckily that's what I will be showing next, so stay tuned. I would explain in the comments, but they are pretty involved.

[@fossphur]

I'm thinking about making a coconut fiber background and saw a big roll of liner in the garden store today. But when I picked it up, it felt extremely sticky and waxy! Is this normal for coconut fibre? There were some preformed hanging pots and the liner in those was NOT sticky so I avoided buying the rolls in case they had been contaminated with something. I couldn't smell anything but my hands felt tacky and gross after touching the rolls. Didn't seem right to me, have you ever come across this?

[@tdhallvideo]

I was looking for that answer too.. I have a hanging basket liner that feels sticky to me when wet.. I have been soaking it to try and dissolve the glue or whatever it is...I was thinking of using it in a land area for fire belly toads and some of it will be underwater Just not sure if I should use it

[@easline404]

Hey! First of all is there any way to contact you apart from youtube comments? Secondly I am planing to build a 3D background with with parts of oak-bark. I am not 100% sure how to do that and would like to have your opinion on my recent plan. Surely I would provide you with pictures if that could help you somehow. Would like to hear from you. Greetings!

[@balzonurchin]

Is that "versa tool" just a tip I can buy for my soldering iron?

[@SerpaDesign]

The versa-tool is the tool itself. I'm not sure if these would work with you iron, but they are what the versa-tool uses. www.amazon.com/Special-Technique-Points-2-Pkg-Blade/dp/B004ALUA7I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489020248&sr=8-1&keywords=hot+knife+blade

[@balzonurchin]

ok, thx

[@javistrike8171]

How do you make cocofiber for terrarium soil

[@MrGreen-nu8og]

Can you plz do a paludarium :)

[@SerpaDesign]

Yes I am making a nano 7 gallon and 90 in the near future. The 7 is in the works and the 90 will be a summer project.

[@ravescience2000]

awesome!! liked:)

[@Jaybiiird]

interesting design :-)

[@jellevanwesterlaak]

Will this work for aquariums? I've heard the Sillicone releases toxic particles into the water, is that right?

[@catdog0024]

Jelle van Westerlaak that's why it said in the video to use silicone with no additives. He's made other videos talking about it too

[@SerpaDesign]

Yeah it would, but I probably would only use it for a black water setup. Most likely it will release a lot of tannins into the water.

[@sinisternightmare]

I'm a little surprised, that hot glue works with styrofoam. When I tried to do that (about 15 years ago) the hot glue was just melting cavities into the styrofoam.

[@tdhallvideo]

looks like he is using special glue sticks.... Says Foam Sticks on the package.. I am assuming it is a low temp kind that wont be hot enough to melt the foam..

[@stealthflower]

Will the coco fibre break down over time?

[@SerpaDesign]

Biodegrade or fall apart?

[@nataliesalazar3256]

doesnt hot glue melt the foam ?

[@vee7586]

natalie salazar it's foam grade glue. says on the package.

[@SerpaDesign]

It a low temp melting stick. So it does the job without melting the foam.

[@blademail4911]

how long these wall could last?

[@SerpaDesign]

I can't say for sure, but I would guess a good 5 years or longer.

[@85jibarra]

Can you house crested geckos in that type of vivarium?

[@SerpaDesign]

As a grow out tank sure, but I would go to a 20 long for an adult.

[@cxyz12345]

Quick question out of pure ignorance, isn’t the styrofoam toxic to plants?

[@cxyz12345]

Also, if I prefer to glue the coco fibre straight to the glass, what do you recommend using? Silicone or hot glue?

[@CmBHDz]

Is there a way to do this without styrofoam, which is not easy to recycle?

[@SerpaDesign]

Why would you need to recycle it?

[@CmBHDz]

I fear it is bad for the environment.

[@SerpaDesign]

How would it be bad when used in a vivarium? It's not like you're littering it on the side of a road.

[@CmBHDz]

Well, I don't plan on passing it down to my grandkids, but yeah I getcha. Don't worry about it man, keep up the great videos!

[@RoyalCrab]

Using it in a vivarium is a way to reuse the styrofoam, so it's a small component of recycling.

[@WMChava]

Do you make any custom backgrounds for sale?

[@SerpaDesign]

I don't at the moment. What were you looking to get?

[@WMChava]

SerpaDesign something like this for a 20g

[@Captured_Life]

Shall we used as aquarium with full water ad fish is this coco shet remain firm in water also

[@weedexotic7315]

niceeee

[@alecc.lambert2352]

Can you have standing water in the bottom of your vivarium? I'd like to do a Dagobah Star Wars themed vivarium.

[@LordFastFood]

If you heat styrofoam it can produce dangerous fumes, wear a mask and do it outside. And you can glue styrofoam with good glue too.

[@SerpaDesign]

Yeah I know. Could you clarify what you mean by "good glue"?

[@LordFastFood]

Wood glue*, PVA glue.

[@brandonwittgruber8369]

Please help!! I want to convert 2 large aquariums into terrariums with sliding doors on front...raised for lower aquatic setting.. I cant seem to find anywhere to buy the plastic trim pieces I need.. I am located in Ontario Canada

[@giot91]

How thick is the styrofoam sheet?

[@josebarriga8837]

Would you sell some?

[@theincarnationofboredom207]

im procrastinating so hard on finishing this drawing that im watching a tutorial on something i will never do...

[@markjohnvillanueva4988]

2021 anyone?

[@curtismcmahon8648]

Are you from Rhode Island?

[@SerpaDesign]

No, Pennsylvania.

[@curtismcmahon8648]

SerpaDesign oh, I thought you had a Rhode Island accent but I really meant a Maryland accent. Great channel btw!

[@AlSmith-rn5qv]

That’ll be great for mother earth once its thrown into the trash

[@totallyspiessam1233]

YAYT

[@theincarnationofboredom207]

why am i watching this i don't do this stuff.

[@giorgosdroso3441]

first dislike yayy

[@colleeng6128]

Is this safe for an iguana enclosure