Building my BIGGEST Ecosystem yet! - Creating a Large Woodland Terrarium / Vivarium

In this video I build a large terrarium from a spare fish tank I had lying around. Usually my ecosystems are small and contained within jars, however this time I felt like trying a project a lot bigger!
I went out and collected various plants from a local woodland. The woodland hosted a vast variety of plants to stock my terrarium with life. I just knew there would be hitchhikers in the plants and was not disappointed. In fact a lot of new species showed up only after I finished editing the video... You will get to see those species in future update videos.
I decided to add springtails and armadillidiums to this terrarium as they're both species I enjoy to watch. The springtails quickly dispersed into the plants and soil, however the isopods are a lot less timid. Every time I check out the terrarium I see different individuals exploring. They don't seem to be afraid of light.
I decided to start off with a mixed colour variety of isopods. I did this because I wanted to see what colours might show up in the future. I was also curious if certain colours would fade out of the line or if they'd continue to show up over the generations. It guess it just adds a interesting feature to the colony.
I was not expecting to find parasitic mites in this vivarium. I hope that over time predators begin predating on the mites. I do however have a backup plan if that doesn't occur naturally.
I quite enjoyed creating a larger ecosystem and hope to create a lot of videos showcasing it's inhabitants. This video was a lot longer than planned and I'm sorry if the creation process dragged on a little too long. I'm also sorry for the glare, I didn't review the footage until after it had been filmed and I couldn't go back in time to film again. I'll do my best to ensure this won't happen again.
0:00 - Introduction
0:09 - Collecting Plants
1:36 - Adding Drainage Layer
2:29 - Adding Substrate
3:19 - Adding Wood
4:02 - Adding Plants
7:42 - Spraying The Plants
8:03 - Adding SPRINGTAILS
8:44 - Adding Armadillidium Isopods
10:47 - Showing Hitchhiker Species
12:40 - Outro

[@Jartopia]

Hey guys, been a while! For this video I decided to try and create my biggest ecosystem yet. I know I usually do jar ecosystems, but I fancied doing something a bit different this time. Hopefully you still think it's cool. I plan to do a much more in depth video of it's inhabitants quite soon as many species have shown up since filming this project.

[@Connor-tv5gu]

Is this a sealed ecosystem? I’m looking to do something like this with a woodland ecosystem but I was concerned that closing it off would increase humidity too much and change its climate

[@panexplosivoh3113]

is it sealed off?

[@prairiepanda]

I love it! Looking forward to seeing how it develops.

[@extremechimpout]

Can you do a jar with a fart atmosphere? Then seal it off

[@chingpongpakdee3957]

This is awesome PLEASE keep up the outstanding work !!!! Super excited into seeing what's to come !!!!

[@Eltener123]

I always wonder what would happen if someone's terrariums and ecospheres were just left untouched for a couple thousand years and what new species of plants and arthropods would develop with what adaptations for living in a world surrounded by glass

[@Firjiwater]

That is a beautiful thought

[@ankitwawage]

I don't think there will be any major changes to them since they won't be facing changing conditions of real world just like some tribal people who are vulnerable to common diseases in modern world.

[@antongreven]

@@ankitwawage absolutely untrue. Veratasium made a detailed video on evolution recently where he explains that evolution is never ending. This ecosystem might not have a lot of challenges, but it is a challenge in of itself to be the most fit for this particular ecosystem. They will evolve to this particular environment where there's only a few types of food and competition. This process is very slow and a couple thousand years will unfortunately not be enough to see meaningful change assuming the survival of the ecosystem.

[@qingpetcher667]

@@emma-cy7yo nope there 2 of many different species in there they can just breed and reproduce

[@wrightii5340]

@Blond Hitler war in the comments in 3... 2... 1...

[@hu3cat]

My day literally got so much more peaceful and brighter, thank you so much! I'm really excited to see this project develop! Can't wait to see the updates on the upcoming months!

[@sn7.7]

The first Time I read this I thought you said “my dad got so much more peaceful”

[@guilher95161]

Tu ta aqui meno

[@joaomanuelkrebs3321]

Hu3cat?

[@joaomanuelkrebs3321]

Q caralhos cê tá fazendo aq man

[@klarkz2374]

Carai, ele gosta disso tbm?

[@_dood]

Imagine going into this guys' house! It would be so cool seein all those ecospheres and ecosystems

[@BrainFreezeMC]

Yes, that would be amazing!

[@julietteneu1233]

You should make a ecosphere with both land and water!

[@tathagatdhaneriya7485]

Now that, that's what we all want to see

[@sergeantsharkseant]

@@tathagatdhaneriya7485 yes especially if it were in a rather big structure and inhabit larger animals. this especially gets interesting when finaly in decades to come the ecosphere still lives

[@odin8326]

My plans exactly. Trying to master both on their own first before going for hybrid!

[@Neardrop]

That is a really smart idea!!!

[@SonicBoone56]

*breathes in* ISOPODS! I love them! They're like the invertebrate equivalent to hedgehogs!

[@cooler2000]

Looking forward to this one 👌

[@nikxnukx2.092]

I never imagined to see the king of spongebob animations here

[@cooler2000]

@@nikxnukx2.092 ;D

[@FunTimeWithLeo]

hi cooler2000! i love your animations :D

[@FreezingTheMind]

Jartopia, you have such an awesome channel on your hands. You really attract all of the people who are interested in small marine life, small terrestrial life, etc. Most people have no interest in bugs, isopods, arachnids, micro-organisms and so on. But you bring us all together and display this tiny life in a way that is so beautiful it actually gets me choked up sometimes. Like, even this small life has its own set of productivity, reproduction, obstacles and growth. I really hope you never stop making these videos because you have such a talent for them. Keep at it!

[@theguywhoasked4235]

It's been 1 month since I made my first terrarium, I love to see it growing! Edit: (15 August 2022) yeah it's broken now, the place I live in has a bit of monkey problem, the gate to the terrace was open and one of them got inside and smashed the terrarium, it had been a year since i built it and it was showing really good progress, i am sad now 🙁

[@mdamiao]

How do you keep it ? 1. Do you expose it directly to sunlight ? 2. Do you splash it with water sometimes ? 3. What basic cares do you have ? Thanks a lot

[@theguywhoasked4235]

@@mdamiao 1) I keep it beside my window, it is not exposed to direct sunlight but it does receive the diffused form of sunlight 2) I water it once every week (cause I have moss in my terrarium and the moss will die out if it doesn't receive enough moisture, you don't need to water your terrarium frequently if you don't have moss/ferns) 3) I am thinking about trimming the overgrowth a bit (the sphagnum moss overgrew), but currently it doesn't need any special care, I will do something about it after a month or so

[@mdamiao]

@@theguywhoasked4235 buddy Thanks a lot 🥂

[@theguywhoasked4235]

@@mdamiao :)

[@dragonWaklohan]

Ty for the tips

[@java-gn1xs]

I dont know why this is on my recommended, but this is actually so cool.

[@korvdploeg4529]

Same here!

[@BiggestAnimanFan9]

@@korvdploeg4529 ey Nederlander

[@PixelKonny64]

This is so peaceful. Eventhough I'm a bit sad you didn't take some soil. I love the randomness and unexpected things that come with it and maybe there would have been some bigger insects too. After all it's a pretty big terrarium :) I'm still looking forward to the update video though

[@HALBY400]

We must pay attention to the "small" things. This is beautiful.

[@faustopg]

I was mesmerized. I enjoyed this video very much. I felt peace. I've seen so many large aquariums with way much bigger animals, yet these tiny ones captivated me.

[@OkayContent]

I watch a loooot of KZbin and this is genuinely one of my favorite channels! It’s so pure, informative, and relaxing!

[@solar0wind]

Excited for updates!

[@DrSpychology]

Interested to see where this one goes! My current closed ecosystem is going through a bit of a crisis, it had grown nicely and consistently until last week, when something happened that killed basically all the plants except one moss variety. Going to keep it a little longer to see if it can recover somehow, but if it doesn't survive, I'll make a new one!

[@mannybutler7517]

is it still alive

[@DrSpychology]

@@mannybutler7517 For sure! Even though a lot on the surface died, under the ground life is booming! Lots of isopods and worms crawling through the soil, algae started growing on the glass and there is one moss variety still alive!

[@broccoligirl9019]

Eeh even tho its dead if there are isopods and or worms it will makes good food

[@shockwave2477]

@@DrSpychology how's it doing now?

[@DrSpychology]

@@shockwave2477 Still very similar, lots of underground life but above ground it's still only the one moss. I'm considering adding a few new plants but I'm gonna give it a little more time before I do that

[@anythingbutyou2708]

Dude. As always, AWESOME The only downside is that we have to really wait for these amazing videos.

[@frowner_and_co]

Ikr. But I Keep Forgetting To Upload MY Videos So...

[@budsyremo]

I love these videos because of two reasons 1. The end products are beautiful 2. We as humans are getting disconnected from nature so we want a piece of that , no matter how small in our homes.

[@hypnopulsar2855]

Love this and learned a lot from it. I didn't know how 'easy' it was to replant plants you had taken from their natural habitat. This inspires me to go make my own terrarium. Thanks for making the video, keep up the good work.

[@tracelynnsangster]

I’m very excited to see the changes in color variations in the isopod!!

[@Jack-bp3ns]

Music chill af makes me wanna sit down in a field with my dog 🐕

[@laurencliburn847]

I love how you just listen to music and there’s no voices or step by step it’s just you doing your thing

[@kevser625]

İ really liked the color patterns of the isopods! Cant wait to see the Moss grow all around..

[@lucycannon6732]

Super excited to see how this evolves! I have the same isopods, but different springtails in my cornu aspersum tank.

[@broski9938]

Thank you so much for making chill, interesting vids like this. I relax so much when watching them with all the music and nature and interesting little crawling things. Best way to dispell anxiety and stress!

[@SANDYFRECKLE]

This is great! Yet another quality upload.

[@cyneelyte]

This video plus your channel has made me buy a fish tank and a few jars so far! I'm in love with this. Thank you so much for these videos. I look forward to seeing more progress and videos!

[@matthewcordatos1283]

Hey man your Jar ecosytem videos are my new favorite type of thing to watch! Can't wait to see the new update on your latest ecosystems.

[@alepred3474]

Wonderful! I hope you will continue doing this amazing works

[@eddox94]

Looking forward to see how this terrarium develops!

[@insipidhelplessness1199]

Your content is top shelf stuff, lad. Thank you!

[@gwynyvyr]

The best thing to see when I get home from work! A new video from Jartopia!

[@eybaza6018]

This is an incredible terrarium! You inspired me to do one myself!

[@ivomeulemans2458]

Your videos juste relax me so much, really help whenever stress and anxiety begin to take over, thanks :)

[@kevinguan8499]

Looks great jartopia, can’t wait for the month update

[@jamesfranklyn8547]

Thank you. Looking forward to the changes and the updates.

[@broccoligirl9019]

I like those little yellow flowers

[@Jartopia]

I like them too. :D

[@jessicadol4261]

I take breaks from this channel's videos only so I can come back and binge watch, lol. As always, great work and I'm constantly inspired by these videos to make my own jar sized ecosystems once I get my craft room set up. :)

[@wallriderlastlight4762]

A truly genuine person

[@mrmissalot8311]

Lets gooooo

[@theguywhoasked4235]

Let's gooooooooo!!

[@mrmissalot8311]

@petstreamtv I watched meatcanyons video on dababy and it infected me even more

[@theguywhoasked4235]

@@mrmissalot8311 less go.... Less goo

[@mrmissalot8311]

@@theguywhoasked4235 Lessssss gooooooooo

[@itzspookytv686]

Slowly got addicted to this channel and I am grateful thanks for the amazing content and for inspiring me to make one myself🙏🖖

[@BunnaySango]

I look forward to this one growing and changing

[@VictorBlack70541]

i really love this channel, and the music...bro the music is perfect, i really feel better just watching this after a longass day...thank you, so much.

[@smallweed1940]

keep making videos of this ecosystem thanks.

[@DMXIII]

Um vídeo calmo e bonito. Podemos dizer que tem teor terapêutico. Maravilhoso! Amazing video! Greetings from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@timdixon8598]

I saw my first Jartopia youtube video last night. I did not know how much I needed that type of video in my life. So I now have a recently bought jar with a sample of my back garden inside. I've already spotted my first millipede.

[@colinpence4580]

Already commented, but I just fully watched the video and I have decided that I am going to go and get a very large aquarium and do this. I have always been interested in fish, but it was never fully in my heart. This is. I really enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@getivan]

These videos are mesmerizing. lol This is a fantastic hobby.

[@Basado_en_hechos_reales]

Great job pal!!👏👏

[@googleuser8448]

What a great video. 👍👍

[@BestFavorite]

Your music selection is an excellent touch!

Wonderful 😍

[@chingpongpakdee3957]

I love your content so much !!!! It's so relaxing I love isopods as well so this is the perfect combination ! PLEASE try to do more woodlice / isopod content in the future if possible

[@Rafael-zx8cg]

Really interesting! Thank you!

[@user-fg7hz5bg6p]

This looks beautiful

[@Lunch_Meat]

No doubt one of the best channels on KZbin. It's perfect for what it is

[@AnotherCrysis]

can't wait to see some updates

[@johanlundstrom3977]

So intressting and fun. Love the videos and would love to try something simliar. 😊Thanks from Sweden

[@amyesworldcatherinesminime7945]

Great macro work

[@edwardsarhuda2595]

Its good that you add rolly polies.they were adorable

[@user-zr6bj8ti3k]

good luck with ur project! love ur videos!

[@jeffsipes8511]

Keep creating ecosystems. please. especially these larger ones. I love the music....

[@mimit4ever]

So relaxing. I could fall back to sleep.

[@jeremiahemery9194]

Can't wait for the one year update on this one!

[@totoprojects5981]

I guess these Terrariums will save the wolrd one day! :DDD Your videos are treasures. I love so much what you do.

[@luisantonio8518]

Im gonna love to see the update vídeos

[@shellingford9941]

verry nice as always, verry relaxing ^^

[@pinkytsuru9429]

This channel is so underrated you deserve more subscribers and viewers.👍👍👍

[@kbattt]

A really cool idea for a chanel and thx for sharing this with us i love seeing the ecosystems u create and how they grow keep it up man makes me feel good ;D

[@sh4wz0r]

This is so incredibly cool

[@mooster2095]

i simply love your videos

[@SICKTWISTEDFREAK999]

Your channel is freaking awesome. You seem like an awesome person. Please keep making these videos. Your channel rules!!!!

[@ann_banan13]

These videos are weirdly calming.

[@Konniebugg96]

I've only recently found this page and I have a feeling it'll be growing exponentially, cuz this content is just A1 perfection. ~200k is not what I expected when seeing this page, I was thinkin 2M at least

[@j-rocd9507]

I would love to have a conversation with this gentleman. Seems very interesting. Seeing the wonder in everything especially the small things.

[@oddballkill]

i just found your channel and i think its some of the coolest content ive ever seen on this website

[@luiscolome75]

I will love to see an update very soon. I love the video and the close ups of the insects. Very well done. I miss a voice instead of subtitles though. Thanks for your work!

[@Kapitaen_Flauschbart]

Excellent choice of music!

[@rickybong3401]

Can't wait to see how it goes

[@DanDavisHistory]

I love your channel, this is amazing.

[@henrysgamingchannel8004]

Keep it up I love your videos I wish you would post more i’ve always wanted to make my own ecosystem and I just found this 10 gallon tank in my basement so I’ll use it as a ecosystem and this video was like a tutorial So thank you

[@NOyaLzuMu]

isopods are so cute

[@grandreven5084]

:O SO COOL!

[@cowchow3086]

love the vid!

[@semih3043]

I loved it

[@MissBonnieMcSquirrely]

Wow this is great! I love your vids and just found your channel the other day. Your jars captivated me and I spent my evening staring at the little creatures. I like the bigger terrarium and can't wait to see how much it has changed since! :)

[@Jartopia]

Thank you. I'm working on the update video of this currently!

[@BrainFreezeMC]

@@Jartopia I love the update video! Keep up the good work!

[@deedeejones57]

great video!

[@cameronpittman6]

may I just say that your choice of music, on top of all else, is exquisite.

[@yoggsaronn]

Awesome video, the isopods are beautiful and the ecosystem too ! +1 sub

[@Baelroak]

amazing

[@mrslade]

Its beginnings are beautiful. The only thing missing is leaf litter. I hope some new fauna appears and keeps us in wonder.

[@AleQuag]

Isopods are cute af! Milipides just kill it with fire!

[@Imbadatvideogames]

I made a terrarium myself and so far it seems quite sustainable, it is already been 3 months and it is still looking good. One of the plants grew very tall and reached the roof of the terrarium

[@jase123111]

I love Woodlice...they are like mini armadillos.

[@am8455]

I don't know why, but these videos just make me happy.

[@valentino6664]

Damn im glad i found this channel, these are some high quallity videos

[@gretafatberg7630]

I didn't know there was mites that were parasites to Isopods

[@Trees...]

I think I read somewhere there are even mites for mites, haha.

[@averynewtown2782]

@@Trees... yeah when I had a mite problem in my isopode box I had to buy predatory mites to eat the parasitic ones.

[@cavemanvi]

@@averynewtown2782 what about weed ones

[@averynewtown2782]

@@cavemanvi same thing. The predatory mites are pure carnivores. The box i got them in even included sleeves so you could poor some in and attack the sleeves to plant leaves

[@Lunch_Meat]

You could say a lot of invertebrates mite have this problem

[@franvercher847]

Need you to show us updates this is beautiful 🤩

[@myeroku4182]

I absolutely love your music choices for your videos, tis as much relaxing as your videos themselves. I watch them over and over in the morning - its hard for me to get going and getting around so this is helpful in so many ways. Thank you again Sincerely, Tyiarra Marie [this is my TV alt account :) ]

[@steinhelmm]

This videos make my day I'm subscribing!