How to build a Paludarium (Vivarium)

[@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!!

[@Colem730]

Totally agree

[@玲王-v7d]

totally amazing

[@magnusevander7706]

Where can I find the foam background and that's made in what kind of matier? Polystyrene polyurethanes etc...?

[@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

[@NolanFacer878]

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

[@magnusevander7706]

Where can I find the foam background and that's made in what kind of matier? Polystyrene polyurethanes etc...?

[@sagittarius_a_starr]

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!

[@Lush_Scapes]

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

[@Vorpal_Wit]

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

[@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.

[@nurrdy]

Dude I played it back like wait wot LOL

[@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-?

[@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!

[@jolie619]

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

[@TheDrPlants]

Thank you so much!

[@destinydenver2694]

Hey

[@C0L1-29]

​@@TheDrPlantsHi ! What is the terrarium dimensions ?

[@DOGE777---]

​@@C0L1-29I dont think he's gonna answer that was a year ago

[@C0L1-29]

@@DOGE777--- 😭

[@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 😸

[@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!

[@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

[@SchwarzSchwertkampfer]

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

[@FinnVL5]

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

[@FinnVL5]

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

[@imper_am]

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

[@TheRealShunneth]

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

[@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 🙃

[@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.

[@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

[@cream-oreo]

0:00 a legend was made

[@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

[@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

[@prodsirius]

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

[@yankeesSC]

@@lecheese6190 yeah

[@prodsirius]

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

[@EricBreyev]

And then a legend was born

[@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.

[@Jude-to7lw]

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

[@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

[@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

[@Bennyslz]

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

[@Charliebarl]

How did it go?

[@gardennurse935]

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

[@AquascapeTR]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@bridiemegan]

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

[@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

[@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

[@Scalikov]

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

[@mamodokod]

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?

[@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!

[@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

[@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!!

[@user-ye3ii2tt2h]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Obsessed_with_sk8ing]

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

[@Yes-nt]

​@@Obsessed_with_sk8ing Where/how did you find out what the tank cost? Does he by any chance mention what tank he's using? (Looking for it)

[@Obsessed_with_sk8ing]

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

[@Yes-nt]

@@Obsessed_with_sk8ing ok thanks a lot!

[@Bar_M8]

@@Yes-nthe is using 45x45x90cm tank

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@etniepaulos6613]

These builds are very simple to follow along with, and they are amazing builds,

[@Briangeldlc14]

Anyone in 2025?

[@TrabaV20]

Yes sir!!!

[@sahaoleksandra9292]

Me in 20000000004000000p

[@Dou8leT]

Yep

[@Parker_NotFound1]

Yes!

[@Midnight105]

Sir yes sir

[@Alexandre-Santos-NLTF]

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

[@1971fallenangel]

Incredible & beautiful!! Great job 😊

[@PomPomPlants]

I know this type of video doesn't preform as well as ecosystem type vids but I would love to see more build videos from this channel .

[@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

[@kevinschaub1087]

Really an amazing work. Watching this Video was super inspiring. I started working on my own Paludarium. The whole process ist totally satisfying and I really love doing it. Thanks for that Inspiration.... :) Great Job. Greetings from Germany

[@patrickwhat3710]

Ich will damit anfangen :0 ich habe bald mehr Geld als ich je hatte und ich finde das ist ein mega Hobby, bin aber absolut neu, also wenn du Tips hast :)

[@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

[@JefeSr]

I did this with you 3 years ago to bond with my wife. today we're back writing this down to do it as pros

[@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.

[@didoit]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@lvloneownage]

bro if I ever hit the lottery I'm gonna higher you to build me one of these!!! jokes aside - this is absolute amazing and having it next to your bed at night must be so relaxing and calming, who needs tv if you got one of these! amazing video! so freaking cool. room tour :D ?

[@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?

[@VictoriaHOUGH-n7u]

Seriously awesome I want one just like that in my bedroom!!!❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@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.

[@LMde20]

Nice. Next time, try cutting your foam with a hot knife. Much quicker and neater. Just allow plenty of ventilation. The smoke can be nasty. Thanks for the great vid. It will come in handy for my turtle enclosure expansion.

[@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?

[@magnusevander7706]

45x45x90

[@maralineweatherford6763]

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

[@ryandavis9398]

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

[@BlackAntzSquare]

?

[@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

[@julies41]

No i am to

[@Rizadon285]

@@moondewanhe should do some enclosures at 5he same time instead of waiting for one to be done

[@shane41johnson]

That is amazing it is expensive though but I’m going to save up and I’ve been watching your videos for 4 years

[@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.

[@mornecombrink6760]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@trueziggy23highlights66]

You're my favorite KZbinr thanks

[@kostasrakevicius2441]

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

[@MGclipsforu]

Yea

[@kitkatstinker]

​@@MGclipsforuhow often tho?

[@nutdust1011]

​@@kitkatstinker every few days but its better to check every day to make sure everything is standing the test of time and make sure its working good

[@kitkatstinker]

@@nutdust1011 thank you for telling me this

[@nutdust1011]

@@kitkatstinker yeah but you can check in as much as you want or if you think some things wring but its not something hat always needs to be on your mind

[@zerglinggorbak254]

You have inspired me to get into vivarium and paludariums. I am doing tons of research before I step into this hobby. Thank you so much for the wonderful videos!

[@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!

[@shannarafryer3111]

I’m Planning to start a small crab tank (10 gallon, at least 1 or 2 crabs) once my dad rehomes his fish to a bigger tank and I came across your vampire crab videos while trying to find care for fiddler crabs. You’ve inspired me to build a tank like this in the future. I hope one day I’ll have the time money and patience to make one myself. Thank you for the inspiration

[@shannarafryer3111]

I have changed my mind I will be creating a small vampire crab tank then working my way up to a big one like this

[@shannarafryer3111]

My dreams have been shattered, shits expensive. I’ll settle for something smaller

[@Capris4EveR]

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

[@Svue071]

I like how the opening thats supposed to be the front is on the side. I'm gonna do that too!

[@goforthandread]

I love this. Would love to see something like this done only hermit crabs in a part and fish. Maybe it's not possible, but if someone can do it it would be you!

[@destinydenver2694]

Fucklove

[@DenesBalogh-nu3lp]

Omg! Bro I can't discribe how satisfing it was to watch! Amazing video! Btw I love your content

[@sherreewaldeck4356]

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

[@Lazyboy1316]

Dude… you have serious talent! Keep up this good work

[@КонстантинЖиков-ь6ж]

Letting you know, everyone needs the plant video!!!

[@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.

[@Lulab3ll3]

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

[@jereksliwinski2789]

Something about your voice and the background music is so relaxing. Sweet video, thank you! 🍺 👍

[@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!

[@ruckus1714]

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

[@vzvandal]

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

[@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👍

[@chrisforeman2030]

Don't know how I've not come across this channel in the past... hurt my finger smashing the subscribe button

[@frankw9836]

You are Magic, so talented. Amazing work ! LOVE IT

[@alinn.4341]

Amazing work. I've seen the after 6 months video and its pure bliss. Will stick around for sure, research more and when I start mine will come back with a lot of questions. Thanks for sharing!

[@timellis9293]

Great video man. A tip for cutting the foam boards. Get a cheap turkey knife. They buzz right through with little mess.

[@annaroberts7055]

Thanks so much for the Inspiration I made my own and it looks insane so thanks

[@TheDrPlants]

I’d love to see it! Send me a picture on instagram @thedrplants

[@annaroberts7055]

30’’ by 19’’ by 12’’ tank and basically your exact same design as yours

[@annaroberts7055]

With Hawaiian morning geckos, blue dart frogs, shrimp ,snails, springtail , and isopods and it closed me $500 not including plants and animals

[@annaroberts7055]

Sorry closed meant to say cost

[@annaroberts7055]

@@TheDrPlants I do not think someone with 721,000 subscribers would reply thanks

[@rickiievaldez23]

These Videos are therapeutic I think it’s music 🎶 and smooth Voice ! Awesome Videos man keep it up 👍

[@Specific-Olive-tree]

I need you to just talk, for like, 5 hours. your voice is majestic. I need to listen to your voice while I got to sleep

[@colinunderwood345]

U sound weird