How to build a Paludarium (Vivarium)

This video is the first of a series where I plan on building up the levels of an ecosystem in this enclosure. If you plan building this yourself, I will gladly answer any questions you have in the comments below.
This project was built over the course of about a month and there were weeks of preparation beforehand. It's still not finished, and I plan on adding more plants/hardscape overtime. If I had only one piece of advice I could give it would be to TAKE YOUR TIME. It took me hours and hours to get the hardscape and plants right. It will be worth it in the long run.
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SUPPLIES:
Tank (The one I used was a ZooMed Skyscraper)
Insulation Foam Board: NO LINK
Misting System: amzn.to/3UhElTJ
Spray Foam: amzn.to/3JLEVEo
Net pots: amzn.to/3La1Pp2
Silicon: amzn.to/3Ld2NRl
Coco Fiber: amzn.to/3JE7kMh
Filter: amzn.to/3iB4A6E
Filter Foam: amzn.to/3qyNlHE
Lava Rock: amzn.to/3D9bsRY
Super Glue: amzn.to/3IKugsg
Leca: amzn.to/3ID16uW
Weed Barrier or Fine Windowscreen Mesh: amzn.to/3ICNoYU
Sphagnum Moss: amzn.to/3uu5qHF
PC Fan: amzn.to/3wwXCaZ
Light One: amzn.to/3tBzbak
Light Two: amzn.to/3ukilMg
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Basically, if you buy something through any of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the channel!
PLANTS (most of them):
Alocasia Ivory Coast
Micro Heterophylla
Masd. Erinacia
Masd. Bucculenta
Masd. Nidifica
Cryptanthus 'Cafe au Lait'
Cryptanthus 'Absolute Zero'
Cryptanthus 'Red Star'
Peperomia Rosso
Peperomia Metallica
Peperomia Emarginella
Oak Leaf Creeping Fig
Bolbitis Heteroclita
Ludisia Discolor Alba
Monstera Swiss Cheese
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MUSIC:
Lo Fi Hip Hop 02 by WinnieTheMoog
Link: filmmusic.io/song/7825-lo-fi-...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
Lo-Fi Hip-Hop 03 by WinnieTheMoog
Link: filmmusic.io/song/7848-lo-fi-...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
Lo Fi Hip Hop 04 by WinnieTheMoog
Link: filmmusic.io/song/7902-lo-fi-...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
#paludarium #vivarium

[@emilydurkee8664]

Seriously amazing! I dream of the day I could have the money and creativity to build something like this. Thank you for sharing!

[@christianmarx3249]

its not that expensive

[@fionncallahan3922]

I'm sure if you work on a tight budget and try to make as cheap as possible you can do it.

[@johndardani9224]

Depending on where you live you can collect from your local area. Start small then get bigger set ups. You can do it

[@aaronnash1776]

Same! And having the space too would be wonderful. I'm looking forward to making a whole room for aquariums and putting a study in it🙏🏻. Where would you put your paludarium?

[@FishLegs4You]

@@christianmarx3249 hmmm, yes yes something over 3K dollars is cheap

[@PrpleSky]

If I could even afford it, I would honestly pay you to make these. This is amazing

[@techgirl1337]

This is really masterful work. Tank mechanics are one thing, selecting flora and fauna that can thrive together in one ecosystem is entirely another. Very, very well done Sir.

[@TheDrPlants]

I appreciate it!!

[@Cote730]

Totally agree

[@user-hk3kx8oz6p]

totally amazing

[@angelique7618]

"This piece of wood has more character than my high-school history teacher." You are a creative genius with a touch of comedic timing. Thank you.

[@Vorpal_Wit]

Amazing! and YES, I would love to see a more detailed video on plant selection and installation.

[@sagittarius_a3307]

Would love to see your 9 hours of plant placement in time-lapse! Fabulous! Once you said it took you 9 hours placing plants, I'm not so embarrassed that a 7 gallon tank took me 5 hours to plant nicely. Well done!

[@TheLushScape]

I calculated the price of everything and it’s over $1300😅

[@ThatGeckoGuy]

If anyone is wondering the little palm tree you see is called Biophytum sensitivum also known as the little tree plant.

[@ThatGeckoGuy]

@UCDoovusJvFR-BtRwHqqG0kw i dont know where you live so you could probably try to find it yourself

[@impe_r]

thanks

[@Loskinhass]

Thank's man, you are the Best! I really needed to know her name, sorry for the mistakes, I'm learning to speak English

[@Lulab3ll3]

Absolutely beautiful! That wood is stunning! Looking forward to checking out all your updates

[@fergtz5712]

Dr. Plant! You truly are a terrarium genius! Thanks for being an inspiration for us all. Could you ever make a video on paludarium maintenance? I'm sure many of us wonder how to keep everything nice, clean, and healthy. Keep up the good work 😸

[@floweryomi5351]

This is honestly probably the best vertical paludarium build I've seen in KZbin in a hot minute my guy. And you make it look so much more simple than i thought it would need to be!

[@disliljake]

This video is my inspiration for starting a beautiful paladarium like this thank you so much for showing the essential steps to make such a beautiful scape

[@tagadae_]

one of the most complete video. I've been thinking about getting a palludarium for a long time. This video will become one of the ones I watch the most.

[@U_Geek]

This is my favourite series,this and serpa design got me into planted terrarium although right now I only have the budget for jar terrariums and my first one finally settled in and it looks sooo nice too bad I need artificial lighting for any plant to survive in my room.

[@allgoodnamesrgone102]

You, Asu, and Serpa design have to be my favourite KZbinrs. I hope I can tackle something like this soon. I think ive found a new hobby!

[@TheRealShunneth]

I find your lisp utterly endearing. I could listen to you speak for hours

[@dud0636]

Thank you so much! I just went out to buy expanding foam and silicone to try make a build just like your one! now all i need is some wood and I cant wait to start

[@Jude-to7lw]

That’s absolutely beautiful, like a little garden of Eden.

[@emmathornton6871]

Thanks so much dude, I’ve been stressing out about my frog’s terrarium and this video is not only helpful, it’s calming too. Again, thank you!!!!

[@heyheyheizou]

is that shinji ikari as a child in your profile picture-?

[@SchwarzSchwertkampfer]

This man, understands the joy of the Sabbath an marveling at his masterpiece. This video is truly rewarding.

[@readingroomcafeproject]

love the idea of doing the background separately. it makes it much more likely that I'll be able to do this neatly.

[@landonfitch3204]

Idk why but I never thought of having the door as the side, genius idea man

[@Scalikov]

Always wanted to give a terrarium a try. I greatly appreciate the step by step. Great work dude.

[@mokong4427]

Great set up. I'm looking for big lava rock pieces. I'm glad you listed everything.

[@jimdavis9005]

I have always wanted to build something like this. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@SomeRandomDude11]

Found this channel a few months ago and it is really one of the best. All the builds are a work of art and it is really just a amazing channel

[@EmpressOfExile206]

Only _one of the best⁉️_ Who's better besides Serpadesign? I would love to find some more channels doing super high end vivariums like this‼️ And I only put Tanner over the Dr. because 1. He gives *_way more detail_* on how to actually build his setups step by step and 2. While the Dr. _might_ have Serpa beat in complexity/beauty on some projects, more of Serpa's builds maximize efficiency and reduce the arbitrary "bells & whistles" (which leads to less maintenance and upkeep expenses) And he goes out of his way to make them as cost efficient as possible so regular people like me could realistically make something like this ourselves! While Dr. Plants is also very skilled, he streamlines his personal labor/diy alterations by shelling out top $ on all his materials! 🤑 I know I can't afford to shell out _thousands_ on enclosures just to make it an easier build/slightly cleaner end result 😂 Especially when I can make one that looks/functions 90% as good for a fraction of the $ plus few extra days/weeks of my own labor 🙃

[@jolie619]

This is the best build I have seen! Thank you for sharing, your videos are great!

[@TheDrPlants]

Thank you so much!

[@destinydenver2694]

Hey

[@Sc0L1z]

​@@TheDrPlantsHi ! What is the terrarium dimensions ?

[@DOGE777---]

​@@Sc0L1zI dont think he's gonna answer that was a year ago

[@Sc0L1z]

@@DOGE777--- 😭

[@edwardjames1768]

Literally reminds me of "Green Hell" the game... Simply stunning. The way the plants have grown on the wooden branches too! Amazing. Thanks for sharing buddie.

[@amyjudy33]

Awesome tank, and really good ideas you shared! You've given me some new plans I'll use in the dart frog vivarium I'm building. Thank you!

[@ZIPPYZAPVR]

The first

[@erikm8372]

I know, I'm late, but personally I'd love a video detailing the plants. Of course, I already know the names🤫🤣 lol, Would love to hear you talk more about the individual species tho…In my never-ending search of bioactive/aquascape videos, yours have really been inspiring to me, since randomly finding them😊I've been doing this since I was 18 (like 2005) but I'm kinda obsessing over your design ethic & style right now. It def inspires me after watching any of your vids, even if it's just getting outside to my garden. So thank you 😇Erik in San Diego

[@susanziga5863]

I've been wanting to build one for years... baby steps... workin on a terrium first👍🙂, thank for all your knowledge. I'm a fan for sure👍

[@AprilJ]

This is a Masterpiece. Thank you for showing. it. I am thinking about making one and you gave great ideas & instructions on what I would need to do.

[@1971fallenangel]

Incredible & beautiful!! Great job 😊

[@gardennurse935]

Finally, a simple yet concise instruction on how to make paludarium.. thanks..

[@manons6984]

❤️ It is so beautiful. And very pleasing to watch as well. Thank you. ☺️

[@georgegach7]

Huh past an hour or so just flew by after I first discovered this channel. The passion shined through even in these early days

[@sunnyjacinthe7801]

I'm picking up my tank tomorrow to start this. Thanks for the videos, seriously inspiring.

[@TheDrPlants]

That’s so exciting! I’d love to see how it comes out. If you want, DM me your finished tank on instagram @thedrplants

[@sunnyjacinthe7801]

Thanks for the reply! I will for sure!

[@balisong_brad]

@@sunnyjacinthe7801 how did yours come along?

[@zombillaicecream1099]

Which tank is this?

[@Gridlock2k]

let us know how its going

[@aarongray7817]

Thank you for your amazing videos, you've inspired me to make my own paludarium. I can't wait to have my own slice of the rain forest in my house!

[@hyperspade5353]

Same

[@mornecombrink6760]

Masterpiece. WELL DONE! Yes, please make a video explaining the plants please. I believe it is vital.

[@vzvandal]

I want to do something like this someday, I love animals. You do a great job creating these environments for them.

[@IGrocker]

Your channel has been giving me great ideas for my first large build! I’ve done a few in the 10 gallon range and larger, but this next one will be 36Wx24Tx14D for my mourning geckos. I’m not sure which other creatures I will add

[@TheDrPlants]

Awesome!!

[@laurenisreading5003]

I have to say, I loved your descriptions. 'This piece of wood has more character than my High School History Teacher' - particularly made me laugh. Made the video even better. My friend sent this over as they would like help trying to build one - this video will definitely help so thank you

[@mielmigueltimtiman6123]

Thanks for sharing. I am planning to build one. Most of the plants I have in my garden, like the tillandsias and cryptanthuses.

[@Audrima]

I love this so much. I look forward to when we have more stable housing so I can build one

[@bile897]

Absolute gorgeous build! I hope to make one soon.

[@TheDrPlants]

Thank you, I appreciate it!!!

[@delaneyh7813]

This is honestly incredible! I'm trying to get some info and ideas for a 4×2×4 build for my ridleyi rat snake, and 100% going to use this as a base for my plans. Thanks for the amazing vid, I'm shocked you're a small channel, this is super high quality!

[@TheDrPlants]

Awesome! Happy I could help!

[@yeniferbravo3405]

Absolutely beautiful, truly gifted.

[@sherreewaldeck4356]

I have a paladarium as well, I watched your 100 gallon video and got inspired and combined with this on as well! 🙏!!!

[@Ooo-qt2fl]

I'm watching this a year after this was uploaded, and I am amazed at how cool it turned out! I also have a question too! How often do you feed the animals in the tank and how do you feed them?

[@daspammer5896]

A tank like this can have an ecosystem of springtails for amphibians to eat whenever they want, but I’m interested to know what he says

[@lecheese6190]

This is a whole ecosystem so he doesn’t need to provide anything

[@spire123]

he needs to feet the animals but that's the only part

[@melon_water]

@@lecheese6190 yeah

[@spire123]

@kitkat474 no he feeds the geckoes and crabs the geckoes gecko diet and don’t know about the crabs

[@whokilledmercy1497]

Wow never thought of turning the paludarium by 90° and use the door as a side door Looks SO GOOD

[@TheDrPlants]

Thanks! Not many people notice that!

[@abhijithrupesh8217]

marvellous project and yes I do want to listen to more details about these plants, after seeing this project I also felt some interest in it

[@Capris4EveR]

That's takes some serious level of skill and dedication. Looks very relaxing. Wonderful man

[@didoit]

Absolutely love this. Also what mechanics are used to heat the tank air temp and water?

[@AquaStevae]

This is epic! I wasn't really interested very much at the beginning, but for some reason kept watching. But by the end, it was becoming a strong and stronger desire to make one of these. How much was the tank itself. That is where I will have to start, as I'm not exactly money rich right now. But would do this piece by piece if I do it. Wondering if there are any deals on these tanks from anywhere. I'd guess you researched this quite a bit before getting started. Thanks for introducing such a great project to the masses.

[@TheDrPlants]

Thank you! The tank itself was about $180 and the build as a whole was around $1000

[@AquaStevae]

@@TheDrPlants Thank you very much for the reply. Your build set me off on a hunt across YT to find more of them, but nothing has peaked my interest the way yours did. Several builders have built physically cool structures, but they never put such interesting fauna and flora in them. It makes all the difference in the world.

[@leek6068]

absolutely amazing what craftsmanship

[@maralineweatherford6763]

Your tank is just so beautiful I could watch it all day

[@kurtoogle4576]

I started watching these five months later, and it turned out amazing! I am wondering if you plan to add a bit more ABG mix soil in the future as the nutrients break down? Do you leave the plant clippings in?

[@TheDrPlants]

Nope! I don’t fertilize and I leave the plant clippings in the tank to break down.

[@schildpadjong7312]

Hey @Dr. Plants, I really love your videos about the paludarium! I wish I could afford to make a paludarium like this one day. I have a few questions though: 1) Do the plants need any heat / UV light to grow? 2) How often do you feed the animals inside the paludarium? 3) How do you make sure the animals get enough nutritions to live? You really inspired me and thanks a lot I’d you would ever answer these questions.

[@lordsushi3911]

i was going to ask the same thing

[@sheldondyer871]

I second that about the plants @Dr. Plants, Im going to try and keep some peppers in a terrarium and need some form of heat and UV light and i have no clue where to start.

[@thewalkingrob8840]

Love the videos. I was laughing when the saw hit the point you couldn't saw and the clips cut. Working with that foam for diy projects is so messy. I made stepping stones that I corporated the tiny crumbs for a strong , lightweight concrete mix.

[@maelstrom143]

Beautiful paludarium. Well worth the effort that went into the build. I like the mister setup.

[@juliahenriques1644]

wow dude this is simply amazing!! is it your first time building something like this? anyway, i hope more people get to see this, truly fantastic!!

[@TheDrPlants]

Thank you and this was not my first time! I have some prior experience from smaller projects in the past

[@ryandavis9398]

Am I the only one who's wondering ,WHY THE ____ HAS HE NOT POSTED IN A YEAR?!?!!?!!?!?!?!!

[@rickperisutti5516]

?

[@moondewan]

He literally has. Looking at his current uploads he is uploading every 3 months. Also for him to record the progress of his built in a video he needs to wait for some time

[@stickshiftman8433]

This is his first vid

[@user-ye3ii2tt2h]

Thanks to your amazing Tutorial my Pacific tree frogs will have a lush and beautiful chunk of the rainforest

[@AquascapeTR]

That’s the most creative and beautiful project i ever watched about paludarium. Best guide for me. Thank u so much. 💯🙏🏻

[@savagebunny8331]

Oh my GOODNESS! This is phenomenal! I'm super interested in your selection of plants as well but not only that, approximately how much did this cost altogether? (minus the animals you've added to the tank at this point) I'd also love to say THANKYOU for not just showing off the final product but actually taking the time to make a tutorial video I VERY much appreciate it. I would LOVE to give it a go

[@siennadabunnygirl8216]

@Verderion the tank itself is 260, he probably put well over 700 into this

[@Yes-nt]

​@@siennadabunnygirl8216 Where/how did you find out what the tank cost? Does he by any chance mention what tank he's using? (Looking for it)

[@siennadabunnygirl8216]

@Axel Fors I think he's using the exoterra skyscraper

[@Yes-nt]

@@siennadabunnygirl8216 ok thanks a lot!

[@Bar_M8]

@@Yes-nthe is using 45x45x90cm tank

[@MoutazAkkam]

Beautifully Done!! You have an artistic taste choosing the right plants and color combination. Just wondering if the water pump has served its purpose... Would you change anything or do anything differently if you would do it again?? Thank you for this beautiful video. Great Job!

[@TheDrPlants]

Thank you so much! The only thing I would’ve done differently is use an external canister filter; I’m not able to maintenance the pump with the way I set up the tank. All in all, I’m very happy with the setup and everything’s going smoothly.

[@kurtistaylor6226]

@@TheDrPlants my initial thought was how's he gonna sort that if it breaks

[@skadi6750]

Alright, I thought About doing it, now I HAVE TO do this. This looks like so much fun!

[@teslaemployee4446]

The tutorial is nice. The music in the background is calming. Your voice sounds calm and professional. I want to make something like this in the future!

[@alyssagarcia5457]

Hi! I keep watching this video over and over for inspiration. Amazing work on this beautiful build. I was wondering where you acquired all the plants? Did you buy them online or are you lucky to have an abundant nursery around you? Please make more videos! I’d love more detail about the plants and the paludarium mechanism!

[@TheDrPlants]

I actually got none of mine at nurseries lol. The ones in this tank were from online and hardware stores like Lowes.

[@kostasrakevicius2441]

Does this require daily maintenance, and if so how often?

[@wking9737]

Amazing work dude! Inspire me to build my own. Thank you and keep uploading.

[@annelisejc6923]

Wooot! So inspiring! Thank you for creating this awesome video.

[@jujucali1]

Phenomenal video!!! I have a few question. How do you heat the tank? Does the LED lights create enough heat? Also how well does the spray foam hold up to mold without drylok?

[@didoit]

This is what I was thinking. Also what mechanics are used to heat the tank air temp and water?

[@milesward1367]

Not sure if anyone already asked, but would there be any way you could post a link to where you got your plants? Or at least somewhere you'd recommend. It'd be greatly appreciated.

[@madp5113]

Watching from 🇯🇲 .. love this.

[@bridiemegan]

Absolutely stunning,i would have liked to see the process of planting as for me this would be the most challenging.

[@dumbtransgirl]

Hey I really like the build and am planning on doing a similar one but had a question. How do you service the pump in this situation? It looks like not only is the pump under the dirt the pump coord is behind the silicone background? Does this mean if it breaks you will have to get a whole new pump and put it in the front? Also just curious, any reason you chose to use the terrarium version of this enclosure instead of the paludarium version allowing for deeper water/digging area?

[@marcsandro5479]

That's what I was thinking, would LOVE an update on that!

[@Tyrell63]

@@marcsandro5479 thats why for my setup I will use an small external filter. Then its much easier for maintenance

[@Afeller]

Do you ever need to replace the filter foam? Asking bc I’m making one of my own after seeing your video!

[@didoit]

This is what I was thinking. Also what mechanics are used to heat the tank air temp and water?

[@ruckus1714]

I just stumble upon one of your videos as and after watching two or three I had to subscribe. Your creativity is amazing!

[@TemperVoid]

This is so cool and definitely going to be the core of how I build my Tree frogs newest enclosure. They have bioactive substrate now, however I’d love a habitat that has ALL real plants rather than just a few, as well as a filtered water feature.

[@KeeleeRaney]

If you don't mind me asking how much did this cost you this whole project? And how big is the glass on the tank?

[@minakiel2930]

This is such a well done paludarium! Ive been doing weeks of research on aquariums but after realizing I have a bird that will probably try to get into a tank, ive decided to go with this option. How much would you say this cost? excluding the tank and plants? Edit: Would you also consider putting a carnivorous plant such as a Venus flytrap or lowland nepenthes in there?

[@TheDrPlants]

Without the plants, animals, and tank, this tank was cheap. I’d say it would cost $800 for the materials on the high end. You could do it for FAR cheaper. I do not think Venus flytraps would do well in this environment. On the other hand, some tropical nepenthes species do great on vivariums!

[@haribohanley2329]

I would love a full video explaining all the different plants because I plan to build my own Paludarium and would like to use a similar list of plants to you.

[@jesusisking8878]

Bro this is sick! I definitely found myself a new hobby. What sand did you use for your tank? Does it matter which one to use? Thanks.

[@TheDrPlants]

Thanks! It honestly doesn’t matter what sand you use as long as its aquarium safe. I used one of CaribSea

[@danielefabbro822]

6:30 it just looks like volcanic soil. Awesome. But, there's no risk that silicon will poison the water, right?

[@walli6388]

Depends on the type of silicon used.

[@danielefabbro822]

@@walli6388 right. I guess there are eco friendly. 🤔😅

[@walli6388]

@@danielefabbro822 He says he's using aquarium silicon.

[@danielefabbro822]

@@walli6388 I haven't noticed. My bad.

[@mamodokod4613]

I'm genuinely so thankful for this video series. This is genuinely, EXACTLY what I've been dreaming of being a huge lover of crabs, and maybe instead of geckos, maybe I can keep some kind of frog?

[@itzikifergan417]

You doing so good!!! I love your videos so much. Waiting for some more.

[@Alexandre-Santos-NLTF]

I never seen a better terrarium build, keep it up. We need more videos...

[@dynomitedp]

Amazing job! Thanks for teaching us!

[@drew-shourd]

Very nice build, one of the nicest I have seen. Thank you for taking the time to video log this build, not easy. I have built different types of vivarium's over several decades, and fish scapes, fresh and salt. In fact, I owned an aquarium store out in Los Angeles in 1995. So tons of experience with submersible pumps, and imo, you shot yourself in the foot by not making that pump removable. Either for cleaning, service...they do crap out from time to time, rare, but it has happened to me.

[@PNWAFOL]

Beautiful

[@Qwiv]

Love to hear more of the plants

[@BigShrimpin416]

I love those pieces of wood! Great size and shape!!

[@jaredjohnson2933]

Your born fro this great content beautiful creation and wonderful presentation and explaining everything for a newbie who want to do one

[@rawdio.docdar5715]

Just love this, amazing work. Looks like i have a new project, thanks friend

[@lorieslaughenhaupt7966]

Nicely done, from the filming to the planting nicely done.

[@BWtrm]

Truely fascinating video. Even inspired me to make my own!

[@pcgoatyt]

YES please do the episode explaining all the plants!

[@spiroskaltsoukalas9692]

Amazing job you have done.Super nice!!!

[@Moia1538]

The start of a legend

[@shauryagaming8318]

Its so beautiful , i could shed a tear 😢