EPIC Vivarium With a Water Feature Bioactive Tutorial!!

[@Bam-Bam1]

I really appreciate you naming all the plants in this video for someone new just getting into this hobby.

[@aureaphilos]

A beautiful vivarium, and a great tutorial. I grew bromeliads and orchids in the 80s and 90s, and seeing how you used them in your viv brought back a longing to grow them -- with frogs -- again. Many thanks!

[@sneakyninga44]

Wow. This was like a documentary that should be shown to the world. Congrats. I love this

[@TroyGoldberg]

Thank you!

[@kanjero7081]

Best wishes from Germany. This build is so nice.

[@shiina8543]

That hardscaping is mind blowing. I love how you have all of branches set up.

[@HecticXXViper]

I love the explanation, detail, and visual aid for everything top quality Troy!

[@lillianepp1345]

Gorgeous! Using this as inspiration for my next build! I love the way you placed the hard scape it really provides such a natural and fascinating look

[@graphite2786]

Your viv's are just getting better and better! Their naturalness could be used as a set for a nature documentary. You are by far my favorite vivscaper :-) I wish we were allowed dart frogs here in Australia! We do have some lovely microhylids, coxiellids, "toadlets" and of course Litoria species but most of these are not available, being on the protected species list.

[@alex8426]

Definitely enjoyed every minute of process from beginning to end. You also have chosen ver nice plants that made the scene very relaxing and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@kovenant7]

Wow the vines! Nice build excellent !

[@trayp324]

Very nice viv and the build tut was top notch!!

[@asylumjk]

Frog King did it again! Great job buddy. Production & editing is great👍🏻

[@TroyGoldberg]

Thanks boss!!

[@aquaticcolledgefishing]

truelly inspiring thats exactly what i want to build just on a smaller scale

[@Peepsee]

Super nice! I am just new to the channel, but would love to see a video with a “timelapse”. Would be cool to see the vivarium grow to it’s full glory 🙂

[@aqua_zp]

Очень красивый проект. Меня вдохновил. Спасибо за интересное виде. подписываюсь)

[@brachypelmasmithi2498]

It looks already stunning even though the hydrolon is not covered in moss or plants! Perfect!

[@benshaw3891]

Very nice Troy 🙂👍 Very informative too.

[@LakesReptiles]

My expectations were high and you exceeded them

[@1SBK909]

Absolutely beautiful man great tank

[@kh6098]

thanks for sharing! finally got all the things and am starting my build today!

[@TroyGoldberg]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@JF-mp9xz]

So the water runs down into the sponge stuff at the bottom and the pump is able to suck the water through that sponge stuff and push it back up?

[@jasonstewart8651]

That's amazing I do my own enclosures but nothing like that I'll have to watch your first video next to see how you do your background

[@animalfrendo]

Nice viv. Beautiful and clever. Great video too.

[@thehappywanderer4230]

Troy, this video made me subscribe. It’s really appreciated with how you visually gave us detail on how you mount your plants, carving, showing us the actual drylok container and colors used.Listing all the items you used in the description. Also, showing us where you get that moss... 🤪🤷🏻‍♂️

[@joshaking111]

The montage at the end put me at peace lol

[@scox7748]

Great build. Awesome result. Really good vid. Thanks for showing all the plant names. Motivating and inspiring.

[@HappyStraws]

Was there ever an update to this video? I saw in the comments that you were planning on it but I haven't found it and I would love to see how this tank is doing now. Thanks!

[@MikeTytula]

Max screams were adorable, can't believe the virus is keeping him from his real uncle. And the bioactive I honestly died

[@TroyGoldberg]

I laughed every time at that moment when editing

[@NorthernFrogger]

I love this build, and great job on the video! I`m going to have to try some of these techniques soon...

[@tylermoorman331]

Man I a m so ready to build these

[@mustachadon]

Youve got me super interested in substrateless tanks.

[@gregmartin1615]

Absolutely superb! Good to see you using Hygrolon. Just beautiful!

[@michaelmelo8075]

Great Job Troy, I really love watching you do builds.. Very inspiring and relaxing

[@robjames3513]

Awesome, do you have video showing how you set up the tank before the hardscaping ?

[@TemperVoid]

How do you go about ensuring the water in the water feature stays fresh? How often are you doing water changes and does the pump help filter the water enough short term?

[@josephromo4497]

This is amazing!! I find it very interesting how GREEN this tank is with NO dirt!! I'm assuming this tank has dart frogs in now?? Curious how many keep the tank stable??? Great job bro!!

[@TroyGoldberg]

Thanks!! Yep 5 fine spot leucomelas breeding in there now

[@EvilKaNegro]

That’s so smart. Thanks for the idea

[@jimmyutterstrom3096]

Looking good! What lifetime do you expect from a tank like this, until it's time to for example replace the filter material?

[@marcoga5602]

He liked it and didnt answer... Hmm... Troy?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Honestly hard for me to say I’ve only been sing the filter material a little over a year, I’d like to think the tank should be up and running for 10+ years

[@TroyGoldberg]

Sorry sometimes I don’t Answer all questions, especially ones I can’t really give a solid concrete answer.

[@jeppegronemann2084]

@@TroyGoldberg does the filter and moss layering give any trouble with soggy areas of the moss? my biggest concern is that it will start wicking up water in the moss and making all the land area soggy.

[@TroyGoldberg]

No it hasn’t caused me any issues

[@nitraflo000]

So beautiful one ! 🤘 you won your own contest 😜. Love it !

[@Floriflop]

What i did to hide the Wire is, that i put a PVC Pipe from the Bottom to the Top from the Terrarium and put the Great Stuff over the Pipe so you cant see the Wire anymore and you can change the pump much easier.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Yes I did that in the terribilis tank, and that’s a method that’s been shown over and over, the reason I showed this was is because, this method it’s possible to add a water feature after the background is already complete.

[@Floriflop]

@@TroyGoldberg ah shit, now you know i didnt watched all of your videos! :D How loud is the pump that youre using in the video? can you hear it at all? Im thinking about something like this in my Livingroom.

[@TroyGoldberg]

Florian Gunacker it’s very quiet, I really don’t even hear them to be honest

[@SmallTownTexasExotics]

Beautiful!!

[@swedishrainbow_garden7672]

Super nice build! Very inspiring for my next terrarium that I had plans on doing something similar with the drip down a piece of wood. Now I know how to do it. 😊

[@jonrazo2825]

love the vids man. do you use an actual filter for the water or does the foam do that for you?

[@Loomise]

Can you explain the lightning fixtures and how they benefit the plants in youre terrariums... Thx for the videos always enjoying them and getting ideas... Keepem coming!

[@TroyGoldberg]

I use led shop lights from amazon.... I’m not sure what you mean by how they benefit in terrariums... the lights make the plants grow well??? Lol

[@viv_scapedesigns]

Mate awesome video loved it and that viv looks insane u are the true boss of vivarium building

[@tobaccojohn9664]

Nice build Troy

[@dtruman123]

Really enjoyed this video, I watched all of it

[@donwells9494]

As always a super well produced video and build. I didnt notice any mention of drainage? How are handeling that if it gets too much water?

[@TroyGoldberg]

I’ve mentioned in previous videos that all My tanks are drilled and plumbed for drainage

[@eoincollins1883]

Awesome. I'm just starting my very first build. This is great inspiration material.

[@shaundixon2941]

Fantastic Dudu

[@SinSitySnakes]

Getting ready to build another viv. How does the spong mat do? Also do you still add the isopods since you don't use any substrate?

[@calebrzeszutek6729]

Where do you get the filter foam? I am currently working on a tank and have stalled because of not knowing which direction i want to go with the floor/drainage layer. I would love to try it!

[@allenszykula8071]

now I know how I can make the pond in my next enclosure that is amuch better idea that some I have seen.

[@colekinser407]

I am currently in the process of turning a 125 gal aquarium into a dart frog set up. I haven’t had a large pond or water feature in a dart frog tank before. I have a RO/DI system and wasn’t sure if I should add seachem equilibrium (like I do for aquariums) or some other product to the water in the pool/water fall feature? I can’t imagine soaking in RO/DI water would be healthy for the frogs.

[@jem5108]

Great video. Did you have adequate space in the bottom for the bioactive substrate? Thanks

[@oidk2221]

Hi Troy! I started something similar because I adored your setup, but what do you do if the pump needs replaced?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Replace it

[@TheBeardedHerper]

something to keep in mind is that manzanita is a desert plant so the wood may not last long term in a wet terrarium as it is prone to rotting quickly when constantly wet. I'll be very interested to see how this does for you long-term. That being said I'm loving you're videos you can count me as a new subscriber my friend.

[@TroyGoldberg]

I mean I know many people use manzanita in aquariums so I’m guessing it will last Atleast a couple years.... and the main piece that’s covered in moss is actually Malaysian drift... the branchy pieces are all manzanita

[@TheBeardedHerper]

@@TroyGoldberg worst case scenario they become food for the isos I assume are part of your bioactive fauna, and yeah I would expect a couple of years out of them minimum.

[@davidl.4297]

stellar tutorial

[@nillawafer6906]

Another dope build! But what happens if the pump goes out? 🤪🤪 Just jokes. Anyway, great job Troy! 🤙🤙

[@PsyWARAquariums]

this is great! I'm gonna do a paludarium and I am totally gona steal some ideas from you! so awesome! so well done!

[@onatassell6424]

Troy can you help me know how to hook the pump to the mist king fittings and which fittings to buy. I ordered a similar pump on Amazon. Couldn’t find the exact one. I ordered Kedsum 100 gph on Amazon

[@leonardosgood7819]

How do you replace the pump when it fails?

[@SCORPlOPATH]

Turned out Amazing!! Great video 👍🏼

[@williamburton8119]

Hey Troy! Just want to start by saying I love your setups, they all look amazing. I'm going to be trying the foam that you used as a substrate layer on my next terrarium, but before I do I wanted to know how yours is holding up? Are you planning on uploading an update of this vivarium soon? Thanks in advance.

[@TroyGoldberg]

I’m gonna be doing a few updates in the next couple weeks yes

[@AthensLhar]

@@TroyGoldberg If you do an update on this viv could you say a bit about the differences between the sponge bottom as opposed to the standard leica-charcoal-substrate bottom? Is there a difference in how the cuc does? How about odors? Sorry if I'm coming off pushy, I really liked this video and it has me thinking my next build will copy it.

[@Namename34567]

Just wanted to say thank you for your tutorials! I'm building some bioactive tanks for my snakes, and seeing these alternate methods you use really help giving inspiration and direction on what to do!

[@voltix9711]

Stephanie Lukosius would Drylock work to create a little pond area? It is waterproof so I think I can just build up a little 2x2 inch wall that has a bit of water in it for a terrarium. Do you think this would work? I have a paladarium with a waterfall and I think it would be cool for the waterfall to go into a little pond before it hits the main part. Any reply would help, thanks

[@kh6098]

hey! great video !! heavily inspired me to try something similar, just one question, what did you use to adhere the filter sponge mat together? or are they just sitting on top of each other

[@TroyGoldberg]

I just stacked it… no adhesive needed I’ve seen biotope gallery just use silicone if needed

[@5rightturns3]

Any chance you could get me a link to that foam pad? I’m not seeing big sheets of it like it appears you have in there. Thanks

[@HeathenHammer123]

looks incredible.

[@MrBeeMeR320D]

Taht is one awesome paludarium!!! And a very nice walkthrough. Only thing missing is the what and how on the lightning u used. And what frogs wil get to enjoy this piece of jungle?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Led shoplights 6000k color temp from amazon

[@MrBeeMeR320D]

@@TroyGoldberg thanx 👍

[@adrianenriquez7292]

What's the name of the fabric material you used over the expanding foam?

[@OnefishTwofishROC]

Heya Troy! I keep multiple planted aquariums, dozens of houseplants, and have almost everything needed to start up a bioactive dart frog tank. Stumbled across your channel and haven't looked back. I LOVE the use of the filter sponge material as the substrate layer. I have loads of it in my stash. This build is pretty much the concept I would like to do with a spare 30 breeder aquarium. Question about the pump placement and function - clogged pumps are the bane of a fishkeeper - is the pump literally sucking the return water from the sponge layer? It looks like both the sponge sheet and pump are resting directly on the glass bottom without much clearance between the pump housing intake and the sponge. Correct? Do you ever have to do periodic maintenance on the pump and impeller due to any type of bio buildup / sludge etc? Your content is .... beyond fantastic. Your thorough and very detailed teaching style is excellent!

[@TroyGoldberg]

I very rarely had to service the pumps and often never have to

[@OnefishTwofishROC]

@@TroyGoldberg thank you! I am going to try this!

[@denyglow]

Amazing beautiful friend

[@Steemoney]

very cool, thanks for the inspiration and tips and trickz!

[@juliamaloney7119]

How do you stop the glass from forming water spots?

[@TheDragonservant]

Great vid Troy! I'm going to use this as the basis for my new build. With the foam matting, do you stick them together with anything or are they just sitting on top of each other? Cheers!

[@iddybiddyladybugleeza909]

I love this build!!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@clairvoyantdetails8423]

So the bromeliad doesn't have roots? you can just 'glue' to the background?

[@JohnBlueGT]

Looks great man. Really inspiring me to want to build more!

[@Ruffaloo]

Do you think I could use a submerged fish tank heater in a similar Setup as the main heat source in my vivarium? I want to archieve a night time temperature lowering in this way by switching the heater off at night. As I want to use non heat producing LED lights im looking for a alternative heat source in my vivarium project. I would love to hear your take on it.

[@zachberge3408]

Do you know if this sponge is okay to use? Aquarium Filter Sponge Large Pad, Cut-to-fit Foam Course for Fish Pong, Fish Tank 30 PPI (23x16x2 inch)

[@dletto1582]

do you always keep the water running and what if im doing a river throughout the tank substrate would be on top of the foam is that okay?

[@juliamaloney7119]

Hey Troy, umm, is that set up okay for White’s tree frogs? I have 7. I’m looking to seriously upgrade, but all of these are for Darts. Which video is best for White’s?

[@TroyGoldberg]

I don’t have whites and don’t have videos regarding whites

[@robertmurphy8992]

I am curious about the maintenance. How do you manage to keep the water filtered and the soil from becoming septic due to areas in the build that won't have movement or filtration?.

[@TroyGoldberg]

There’s no soil

[@ejclydegod]

Hi Troy! I have a few questions about using a sponge filter substrate. Can you add traditional substrate over the sponge substrate? Do you have to drain the substrate layer at any time? Can you add plants to the substrate layer doing this sponge method?

[@TroyGoldberg]

I don’t… but you certainly could

[@stezaftw]

Is there a substitute for hydrolon. Its a massive pain to get it in the UK

[@Omak01]

Did you ever find a substitute?

[@DominicTheJustin]

What I don't quite understand about terraristics is that all the spray or rainwater doesn't collect at the bottom? This should be changed or does it increase over time?

[@WisdomCalls]

Does the water stay clean for animals to drink or do you have to do something to make it good drinking water for lizards

[@Tylerjc2201]

Great vid and amazing looking tank I wish I was that skilled 😂

[@chrishughes4241]

This video literally made me subscribe . So relaxing and beautiful end product . Trying to start my very first paladariium in Dublin Ireland. Literally nobody has anything needed for sale over here 😭😭 struggling to find the names of the products needed to begin .

[@steveplays5408]

How do u mount your bromiliads where u want them any tips . Maybe you can do a quick video on it

[@TroyGoldberg]

I show in the video how to mount them.... watch the full video

[@steveplays5408]

Ya i saw that after haha

[@mattblake9936]

Oh my, a zip tie, why did I never think of that.....!

[@ChloroPhiles]

Wow this is fabulous

[@kriskyle2226]

Awesome video

[@alexandragonzalez9817]

Hermoso un saludo desde Ecuador 👋

[@RicoLyco]

Sorry even though your explanation is very clear. Im wondering what kind of foam/sponge you use as a bottom? I ask this because my naked tank comes on Friday! :D Also I wonder, would it be possible to put any plants in the foam? Thanks a lot ^^

[@TroyGoldberg]

It’s made by aquaneat sponge filter mat... that’s all I can really tell you

[@RicoLyco]

@@TroyGoldberg thanks. :) do you ever have problems with keeping pumilios in those kind of tanks?

[@barbhelle5481]

I enjoyed your video. Thank you for the ideas

[@BreadOnDeckk]

What’s the mesh he put on the sides of the tank, and what’s it for?

[@5rightturns3]

I’m thinking about getting back into frogs. I was in the hobby back when people were trying to make clay substrate for pumilio. What are your thoughts about the filter/no substrate like in this build for pumilio?

[@TroyGoldberg]

It would still be fine... clay isn’t needed, but it definitely can help with smaller young pumilio... and most people aren’t using clay as the entire substrate... they usually just make a puck of sorts so the frogs can sit on the luck and absorb the nutes

[@toadpope2522]

This looks awesome!! Great tutorial

[@jacobradschlag7945]

Awesome tutorial by the way! Just wondering what size MistKing attachments do you use for the pump?

[@TroyGoldberg]

It’s the 1/4” line fittings

[@jacobradschlag7945]

Thanks

[@jacobradschlag7945]

Where do you get your miniature orchids?

[@TroyGoldberg]

Jacob Radschlag glassboxtropicals

[@haustierone]

great video !