How I Made my Vivarium Look Like a Zoo Exhibit with FOAM - DIY Terrarium Background Walkthrough!

[@SimplyBetta]

Hey guys, what do you think of the new vid? I LOVE this thing. If you want to join a giveaway, Vision Cages on Instagram (@visioncagesracks) has a post about it! Just watch all the creators' videos who participated, comment which your favorite was, and tag some friends : ) There is a list of the participants in the video description!

[@yentlcloud]

Hi i wondered if the spooky aquarium was stil a plan? :D

[@SimplyBetta]

@@yentlcloud You bet! I just been sidetracked with getting my new studio up and running

[@impenetrablelegalese2410]

Can u help me? I have a betta it is a halfmoon plakat but it has a weird ventral fins, each ventral fin looks like it has three fingers so if u look at it, it seems like it has 6 fingers. What do u call this kind of betta? Is this a new kind of betta?

[@urosmilanovic2878]

Layer of grout on foam is for decoration and more naturalistic look, or for gecko's safety?

[@1mommaof2plus1]

Will your new friend be hurt if they get up on the lights?

[@FishForThought]

Oh man, your leo is gonna looove those dark comfy hiding spots. Also that centrepiece aloe gives me life xD

[@SimplyBetta]

😘🥰🥰

[@SimplyBetta]

Can’t wait to put the Leo in!

[@seunghunshin9549]

@@SimplyBetta I hope she feels better

[@JoeMama-hy9my]

Isn't that a haworthia?

[@scootskie]

Those are zebra plants lol

[@KristenLeannimal]

Those rock caves are the COOLEST! Ahhh I love it.

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks so much, I'm so proud lol

[@urosmilanovic2878]

Layer of grout on foam is for decoration and more naturalistic look, or for gecko's safety?

[@mssnowhite1]

" *gasp!* THE LANDSCAPING! ....... Oh my God! I JUST got it! " - That was hilarious!!! I was trying so hard not to spit my drink out! 😅

[@amandaconnell4077]

I definitely haven’t seen anything created like this in my research, and honestly I’m STUNNED! I was sceptical at first but you blew me away! Fantastic work, and I’ll be stealing some ideas for myself in the future!

[@tylerrugge]

This turned out great!!

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks, this was a fun project

[@turningcursive2255]

I haven’t seen this build method before with the epoxy sculpting but I totally love this! Can’t wait to see the gecko in there!

[@nirvanaquatics]

It turned out wonderful! As for succulents, the only thing you really have to do is avoid overwatering. Only water when the soil under them is really dry. I highly recommend getting a moisture meter for this purpose until you begin to notice the subtle signs that the plants need water just by looking at them. Bonus, the moisture meter spike will help aerate the soil and keep things from compacting and becoming anaerobic.

[@SimplyBetta]

That's a great idea! Especially because I didn't put any sort of drainage in the plant pots, it's just a hole. haha so I have to be totally sure to not overwater

[@VillianousKitty]

I always say if your succulents aren't thriving it means you aren't neglecting them enough 😂 I've one that's been going on 5yrs in my house, and I have only watered it thrice this year 😅🙈

[@xwingday]

The aquascaping/landscaping comment made my night. Thank you so much. I like watching these videos not just for fish tips, but also for that feel as if I am dorking out with a friend over bettas. So thanks, they brighten my day.

[@SimplyBetta]

Haha thank you, I'm glad! :D

[@SuperDaveP270]

I love that entire setup A LOT!! It looks so much like where they are found in the wild! Even if not a Taylor-original, the use of balloons was totally awesome!

[@SuperDaveP270]

As for succulents, they might require different watering schedules---the one up top looks like a Sedum (reflexum?) and you should let the soil dry out before watering, but not for as long as the others; the Haworthia might not like the intense light but should enjoy the same watering schedule as the Crassula. That is always one of the main things most succulents have in common---let the soil dry completely before watering again. Also, I find it best to use distilled water (since they use so little, I buy a large bottle of distilled drinking water, which is great because I can also screw on a spray nozzle) and add a very small amount of fertilizer to it and use that. I do not keep as many as I used to. I should maybe pick up a few and get back at it!

[@680ecks]

That came out soooo great ive not seen anyone use that material for the rocks . I dont have fish i have snakes but enjoy you and your channel . You seem fun and i like to see the passion you have for all your animals and fish . You are such a little worker .i appreciate the love you have that you squish these projects in your day even though your time is very short after taking care of your family.

[@MikeTytula]

Awesome video! Thanks for the shout out. The tips for succulents, make sure you water them more regularly than you might expect. Typically, it ends up being once a week or so. Only thing I would mention is because it appears you silicones down most (if not all) of the substrate make sure when your leo picks his spot to poop, you put a square of toilet paper or something there so it’s easily cleaned up.

[@KyuubiCore]

As someone that never owned any aquariums or terrariums this is so insane to me but in the best way possible, it's so fascinating and takes a lot of work which I could never commit to lol. You're really dedicated and have a great feel for what something should look like, truly impressive and it really turned out amazing 😍 Even if I'll never make anything like this it's super satisfying to watch and your personality and editing makes it that much more fun 😏👍

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you so much Kyuubi : ) I like knowing that, even if people don't share my same hobbies, we can all enjoy eachother enjoying them! ... if that makes sense ^^

[@KyuubiCore]

@@SimplyBetta We can all enjoy eachother enjoying them indeed, that's a wonderful way to put it XD I'm glad you enjoyed my enjoyment of your enjoyment 🙏

[@pauloconnor6331]

Those are some of the best natural looking DIY terrarium rocks I've seen. You did a great job on them. Thanks for sharing.

[@SimplyBetta]

I appreciate that : ) I'm looking forward to trying again with a new sculpting technique I've been playing with, for even more realistic texture. I'll make another project within a few months!

[@FloridasWildest]

This is so awesome !!

[@SimplyBetta]

I'll go watch yours now!

[@RadioactuveToy]

I love finding various DIY background builds. Everyone uses different materials and I always learn a new material to try. Never heard of the epoxy you used. Great build by they way!

[@griffinblade]

Taylor/Penny DIYs is the stuff my heart needs after a hard day, thank you! this came out amazing! i love the rock caves!!

[@dylans.1741]

I can't explain why, but your videos always make me happy. Like, I just can't help smiling when I watch your content.

[@SimplyBetta]

Haha. well I'm glad to hear it

[@MsFayRae]

Remember to forget about the succulents. That is, I believe one of the most common mistakes made with succulents is over watering which causes the roots to rot. I don't know the exact timing for watering, but I seem to be able to keep them alive best when I forget they exist and don't water them hardly at all... I've seen these things grow out of the holes in rocks, only getting water when it rains... But that being said, I am the furthest thing from an expert... Beautiful enclosure BTW. I love it! It should be so cute to see the gecko looking out from one of those caves!

[@fishypetkeeping]

This is SO neat! I love how you actually managed to make it look like you just took a piece of nature and put it in the terrarium 🤩

[@williamamely7038]

Thanks for sharing this video with us. Your Terrarium is looking very good. Your Gecko will enjoy it. You inspire us with your enthusiasm and imagination. You are awesome. 🤗🤗🤗👍👍👍👍😁

[@sophieschaefer01]

I love that you made this video! I own a Leo and have been working towards giving him a bigger and more enriching habitat, and let me tell you he doesn’t have sticky feet but he LOVES to climb anyway, he even sometimes climbs to the mesh ceiling of his enclosure and hangs out there upside down 😮😮😮 I’ve been looking for various tutorials for backgrounds and I love your personality, I haven’t seen the balloon idea elsewhere so I’m definitely using that!!

[@Tony_Fingazs]

Has to be one of the best enclosures I have seen. You did a great job. You could easily sell them, hell I would buy it. Great job

[@GoldsGymLisa]

This is such a brilliant idea! I absolutely love this! Great job:))) I also love the way you speak. You are so articulate and clear in your presentation. Thank you so much!

[@jennifermerva9538]

You are so entertaining I'll watch you even if it isn't about fish. You're such a happy personality.

[@MurasakiToshiko]

I really love the hard work and dedication you put into this projects. Hope you'll have a happy lil gecko

[@chanejoubert1347]

This is such a work of art wow!

[@randihardy6642]

This looks great! Succulents, i learned a lot from the channel Sucs For You. But basics are that you need a rocky mix for soil (like 30% pumice stone, 30% shale, 30% lava rock, 10% dirt), water well every 2 weeks to a month and let the water drain well. Succs roots are not like a straw in water drinking it up, they breathe evaporating water from the soil around it. You want porous rock that will absorb water and lots of airy gaps between the rocks so it can evaporate (so dont use sand sized pebbles or rocks). Leave roots sitting in water and they’ll rot. Being in a dry environment will probs let you get away with more peaty (soggy) soil, but being in an enclosure might mean less air flow to dry out humidity. So, feel it out.

[@SimplyBetta]

Oh my, this is all new to me! These guys are in regular potting soil haha. Well, I guess I'll leave them for now and just intentionally underwater, since it will be dry and hot in there. In the meantime I'll check out that channel, thanks!

[@randihardy6642]

@@SimplyBetta that should be fine, especially if its dry. good luck!

[@lilicovič]

girl i am SOOOO glad this video was in my feed! i love your personality and how silly you are! not to mention, i love how in depth you go about the cage! and i've been looking for a tutorial on how to do a rocky cave like what you made here. and i love the hack you used with the balloons,, never would of thought of that!

[@lmp8932]

Brilliant! You are so talented :) What a lovely home for gecko(s). Succulents - don't over water, a few mls every couple of weeks is good - only water if the soil is dry. I only fertilise mine (I have around 70) with the water I get from my aquariums water changes; half or quarter strength fertliser only if you use Thrive or something like that.

[@m_k8298]

It's just...wow...it's like wow....no words...I mean...beautiful

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you!

[@mercygirl317]

it looks great! very realistic looking. i use those egg crate things as tank lids/tops for some of my fish tanks

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you @mercy S ! Egg crate is convenient to keep around :P

[@myhomeaquarium98]

Omg this looks so amazing!!! Also aquascaping... landscaping LOL 😂😂😂😂 sorry that cracked me up 😜

[@klcpca]

Looks great!!! I love the way you built in the hides.... your little gecko is going to love it... hope you get everything worked out soon with him/her....

[@marycombs3574]

That is the coolest setup!!! And for the succulents, treat them similar to a cactus, only water when the soil is almost completely dry, I water mine every other week with room temperature water. I have found some don’t like cool water.

[@khmerViper]

This is one of the best I have seen far as realism! 👍🏼😎 And gave some ideas for builds. AWESOMENESS! So do dope! 👍🏼😎

[@SimplyBetta]

Hey thanks so much! :)

[@Cgraseck]

Nice to see you using UVB with a Leo (If you don't already know, go light on the D3 when using UV). The tank came out awesome. With succulents just make sure to let them dry out before you water them again. They are pretty tough but don't like soggy conditions. With respect to getting your Leo to eat, have you tried making sure it is warm and tong feeding something really wiggly in the late evening. Sometimes they aren't that good at finding mealworms in a bowl. I like to use chopsticks with herps. Once they get use to eating from chopsticks you can make Repashy grubs (little oblong balls of Repashy) and they will take them right from the chopsticks even though they don't move. Good luck, Chris

[@ellesreptiles]

This is great! It makes me want to redo my leopard gecko's bioactive. I love how you used the egg crate as a base. 😊

[@SimplyBetta]

I probably didn't NEED to but it gave me some peace of mind! Nobody else did that step lol. But thank you,

[@ktictac6726]

This is the best naturalistic leo build on KZbin . Fantastic work , well done .

[@bethanygladding4523]

So that was really fun to watch. I am not a lizard person, but it kinda makes me want a lizard. The spiky plant is a haworthia. It is related to a zebra plant. They are super hardy and they like bright indirect light. It is possible your succulents have failed previously because of the light. They are not as lowlight as people think. I agree that the other plant is definitely a sedum. Fun fact: haworthias are great for furry pets and kids, as they are non toxic. Idk how much reptiles mess with plants.

[@ghost_dusk]

That's the coolest terrarium I've ever seen!! It turned out great!

[@SimplyBetta]

Hey thanks so much!

[@laughinglighting4343]

Omg new upload!! Loved the video!

[@mysticmorgan8688]

I really enjoyed watching you make this. You ma'am have major creativity.

[@wynja77]

WOW! Those rocks turned out amazing! The whole thing looks great, but the rocks are really impressive!

[@matthewsbertoli570]

This is one of the best I’ve seen. Great job!

[@SimplyBetta]

Wow, thanks!

[@squirrel670]

Exactly the type of rocks i was looking for!

[@NYGOLD]

WOW!!!! This is next level scaping and you make it look so easy.

[@IIKraftI]

this is one of the best Vivariums Ive ever seen, good job!

[@chriskeith988]

Wow. Foamtastic! Not a terrarium/vivarium guy but that looks amazing! Que the lion king music for the basking rock.

[@codygervais995]

That is one of the coolest terrariums anyone has made! Don't sell yourself short that is beautiful!

[@rossy8028]

For the succulents, the jade will get very big! They'll eventually grow into small bushes so you'll probably want to replace it in the future, however they are super easy to take cuttings from. You've also got a haworthia there, it should do great! All plants look to be very drought tolerant so maybe biweekly/monthly watering? Not great at succulents so please reseatch more on the care yourself but love the set up!

[@SimplyBetta]

Oh... then I'll have to replace it eventually! Lol! Thanks. You're a succulent pro compared to me.

[@_nadeenski_1996]

Omg this came out soooooo goood!!!! I love the satisfaction of making something yourself

[@random-db2we]

aaaa this is so cool, i feel so calm and relaxed as you design the vision cage! it looks amazing as always, taylor!

[@SimplyBetta]

Aww thank you realpillowcat, I feel so relaxed when I do projects like that so I'm glad you felt that too

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

This is AWESOME

[@JennOVations]

Hey just found you recently and I love your silliness. I’m the same way. Just a quick tip if someone didn’t mention already. I know this is an older video. When doing the lights you can use a piece of masking tape to mark the holes and then place tape where you need to install it. Then you can drill the holes properly without dealing with the item ❤️

[@athinaassimakopoulou7384]

Your skill of aquascaping transfers to land as well!!!!👍👍

[@corysimpson8899]

Oh Taylor, aquascape and landscape 😅 that got me. This looks amazing though and I'm happy to see just about any video you put out

[@SimplyBetta]

I've never... never realized that. :0

[@BeckyWilson1970]

This is one of the best enclosures I have been.

[@SimplyBetta]

Wow, now that’s a compliment!!

[@Flyingwolf1999]

This is the coolest build I've ever seen !!!

[@nandalee2520]

love how it turned out!! it took a good month for my leo to eat when i brought her home. she's healthy and active now, finally allowing me to hold her :) i find with succulents you want to give them loads of light and water like once a month lol

[@Chopingporky]

A bit late to the party but I really like your video and the way you made the terrarium. It's inspiring and fun to see you do this build. The way you narrate this is also very well done.

[@SimplyBetta]

I appreciate that :)

[@sannea.3519]

This is why I'm subscribed to you, you are the most creative 'fish-tuber' hands down. I love to see how you do fishrooms, and custom things like this terrarium. I also love your vids about breeding Bettas and choosing the pairs. Keep up the good work :)

[@cannibus78]

The landscape and aquascape moment amazing. You are very artistic it looks great.

[@Jaywil07]

Love how much detail you put into it. I’m digging it! Great job

[@SimplyBetta]

I appreciate that Jay!

[@MridulSinghMusic]

Looking good Taylor! Leopard Gecko's gonna love that enclosure!

[@marymiller-crews1307]

Taylor, you did an awesome job on the terrarium!

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you!

[@rosalieslabber476]

Your back!!!! Yeeaahhhhh love it!!

[@tshobbiesandthings]

Very nice job, love the rocks you made ,they look perfect. Can't wait to see the stocking of the scape. Once your gecko is better.

[@audrameyer9558]

TAYLOR!!! That is seriously amazing work! I am shocked at the change from a nice lightweight enclosure to a gecko paradise 😯🙂😀😄

[@random-db2we]

when you first started making the structure i was confused 'cuz i couldnt see what you see but i believe the "trust the process" and it looks so beautiful, taylor!

[@SimplyBetta]

Haha even I doubted myself at the beginning. I was like... what am I getting myself into

[@Avocetexotics]

This looks amazing!!! I have 5 lizards ( 1 bearded dragon, 3 mourning geckos, and 1 leopard gecko ). When I got my leopard gecko Harry Smiles, he would not eat! I tried crickets, meal worms, and baby super worms, but nothing worked. Finally, I tried feeding him a wax worm pupa that I kind of squished ( I know, gross! ) after watching a youtube video, and he took it instantly! Right after I gave him a wax worm and ever since then, he hasn't turned down a meal and will eat what ever bug I put in front of him! I hope this helps and you sweet baby learns to eat!

[@vishfishtanks2152]

Stunning piece of work! Also given me some ideas for an aquarium background.

[@fluteteachermarcie6283]

Sedum! The one plant is sedum-let me look up what the variety is. I have some in my yard, and it survives the winter too

[@fluteteachermarcie6283]

Blue spruce sedum, I think.

[@SimplyBetta]

Oo thank you!! :)

[@devinparkinson2285]

I have watched 2 dart frog videos with this challenge so im excited for the leo tank

[@PostersGamingg]

This video was so informative and hilarious. I loved it

[@chiyo9014]

Oh my gosh the balloons!!!! What a great idea!

[@courtney8863]

2 questions: 1) is the "additive" you use at 10:42 the thickening agent? 2) what is the pigment powder you used?

[@kaylabland6454]

Can I just say.. I’ve watched hundreds of vivarium build videos and found a lot of different knowledge, tips and tricks from various people, but there have always been a few “problems” I haven’t been able to get my brain to find a solve for. Then comes along this video of yours! The mineral oil, egg crate and washer bolting- genius. The diy rock sculpting to the exact shapes needed-genius! Just so much. I’m no expert, but I wonder if any of it has to do with you being female and most other builders being male- like maybe women generally are able to visually solve problems in a different way? Hmmm. Great video!

[@mamag8753]

It turned out fantastic!

[@SimplyBetta]

Thanks so much!

[@joynut1677]

Wow! That turned out great! I wish I could hang out in there☺️

[@lostfound8112]

turned out amazing

[@TheNanoAquariumGuy]

I have been playing with foam spray and I found that using saran/cling wrap on the walls of tanks makes so it can be easily removed. The terrarium looks awesome!

[@shesellsfish]

Wow...you are so incredibly creative! So perfectly detailed. Looking forward to updates. 👍💓👍

[@AdivParadise]

Holy cow that looks so good! I also can't really keep succulents alive. I think the key is to neglect them, which I don't. I always seem to either overwater or underwater. It's why my new favourite kind of plant to keep is marginal plants that have submerged roots and emersed growth, since I literally don't have to worry about *either* water or CO2.

[@bobbiec2829]

I too am going to be putting my background build over egg crate as I'm so afraid to mess it up. And my PVC cages weren't cheap lol. Great video / great build!!!

[@SwissFrogGuy]

Very nice! This was an inspiration for me when I was building my giant terrarium! I went either directions with some parts, it great ideas!

[@jaimenichols8186]

This is amazing. Love it.

[@bryndowdell6394]

The way you filmed/edited this made it feel like i was with my brother just hanging out making an epic enclosure :) it was so calm and fun!!

[@kropka8259]

Awesome work! Really nicely done :) The little guy will love it for sure!

[@billlooker2689]

Interesting I learned alot FYI I tried to look for your fish for my new hobby room coming soon.

[@SimplyBetta]

Thank you Bill :)

[@mikehulsebus]

This was amazing and fun to watch

[@tracys_plants]

This is amazing. I don’t have the talent for this but sure enjoyed watching in awe at the process. My leopard gecko is jealous.

[@SimplyBetta]

Haha well thank you, anyone could do this!

[@tracys_plants]

I keep thinking about this and may give it a go. How about cleaning, does your gecko choose a spot and “go” there all the time? Easy enough to clean?

[@tracys_plants]

Ok, supplies ordered. I’m doing it!

[@tracys_plants]

@@SimplyBetta can you tell me about the “pigment powder” for the polygem? That’s all I need now, but I’m unsure what to get. Thanks!!

[@ronaldkitt6355]

This is absolutely amazing.

[@SimplyBetta]

Ah shucks, thanks!

[@fioregiallo]

Oooh I know this one!! The big spiky plant is called portulaca or moss-rose purslane!! I love that whole plant family. Yay!!! Also the smaller spiky one I believe is a Haworthia limifolia aka FAIRY WASHBOARD!! 😍

[@LuisDiaz-zx1gv]

I like it I like your energy I like the way you do explain this stuff you're funny I like you so I'm going to start looking your video now 😘

[@carriephillips6054]

You make the process look so easy. Amazing!

[@nicolejasch6530]

It came out so nice! Loved watching the process too

[@thesoapcrate596]

That is an awesome build! I know what you mean with the bigger glass cages. We have a skyscraper terrarium for our crested gecko and once its full of his stuff I can't move it alone. The bottom cracked last time we moved it just due to the weight of the unit and how you have to move it. I'm going to have to look into that clay/rock you used now though. I love how that came out!

[@SimplyBetta]

Hey thanks so much! Oh man, sorry for your enclosure. I nearly got one of the large skyscraper ones, the $400+ ones. I ended up cancelling though because it was backordered for like 5 months, and now I'm glad that happened because this thing would have needed a whole moving team to deal with!

[@thesoapcrate596]

@@SimplyBetta I only got this one because I found it on craigslist for $50 due to this very reason..lol

[@imaginationgal1]

I would definitely watch more of this. Lol right in my wheelhouse

[@kimabcx3647]

Absolutely gorgeous