Welcome to our step-by-step journey in constructing a vivarium, where we'll guide you through each phase of this exciting process. This guide will follow us through an actual build and will highlight the steps we follow here at Frog Dirt. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or embarking on your first vivarium project, this article will walk you through the key stages of creating a thriving and visually stunning environment for your favorite plants and creatures.
Throughout the build, we will outline the specific materials and techniques used. There are many different possible paths to success and this is not meant to be the only way to build a vivarium. This is a creative hands-on process and our hope is to give you a starting point and some ideas to get things started for your own build.
Selecting the Enclosure:
Opt for a glass or acrylic enclosure that provides ample space for the chosen species of plants and animals who will ultimately call this their home. Consider ventilation options, accessibility, and any additional features like front-opening doors.
For our build, we will be working with 2 matching 12"x12"x18" Exo-Terra enclosures. We find that these are readily available and like the front opening doors, lower front ventilation, glass for ease of cleaning, and easily removable & customizable top.
This build is being done with thumbnail dart frogs from the genus Ranitomeya in mind.
Leak Testing:
Fill the enclosure with water and let it sit for 24 hours. Check for any signs of leakage or water damage to ensure a watertight vivarium.This is a very important step before you get too far into the build. It would be a shame to complete your build only to find a small leak. Better to find any issues early!
For our build, the leak test is done by filling each Exo-Terra up to just below the front vent and doors. The area is where any water will collect once we are finished. We will let it sit with water inside for a full day with occasional inspections for water. When inspecting it we will run a paper towel along the seems and along the black frame at the bottom to find water droplets. We will also look for any water that may be pooling underneath the tank.
Try to avoid lifting and moving the enclosure while there is water inside. The water is heavy and it is easy to damage the tank.
Cleaning:
Thoroughly clean the enclosure with a reptile and amphibian safe disinfectant to removing any residues or contaminants. Ensure a sanitized environment for your vivarium's inhabitants. At Frog Dirt we find that using standard household white vinegar is great for cleaning. We will give the enclosure a thorough scrub using vinegar and a paper towel before rinsing completely with water.
Optional: We then like to go one step further by using an animal safe disinfectant. Our personal choice is F10 which we will spray liberally on all surfaces and allow to sit for 10 minutes (follow the directions on your product of choice) before rinsing completely with water.
We will then let the enclosure air dry before proceeding.Layout & Design:
Sketch out your vivarium's design, considering the placement of plants, hiding spots, and decorative elements. Aim for a layout that mimics the natural habitat of your chosen species.
For this project, we would like to try and take advantage of the side by side tanks The initial thought is to try and give the impression of a tree trunk in the center with half of it in each tank There will also be a small water feature to create a bit of interest Something like a small puddle forming at the base of the tree from a heavy rain.First Layer - Drainage:
Drainage layer is important to the health of your vivarium and is especially critical for high-humidity environments. This layer prevents waterlogging and promotes a balanced moisture level in the substrate.
Our drainage layer of choice is the Easy Drainage Tile from Frog Dirt. We find it extremely fast, consistent, and error proof. For this project we test fit and then remove it to cut out a corner where the puddle of water will form. If you don’t want a water section then simply cover the entire bottom with your drainage layer.Great alternatives to the Easy Drainage Tile are egg crate light diffuser from the hardware store or a layer of LECA clay balls.
Second Layer - Substrate Barrier:
Employ a substrate barrier, such as a weed barrier or plastic mesh, to prevent substrate migration into the drainage layer. Ensure it covers the entire surface of the false bottom.
We typically use a PVC coated fiberglass screen for this layer as it is very durable and holds up well over time. Feel free to use standard fiberglass screen or a geotextile fabric here. You just want to avoid metal screen as it could corrode over time.
This step is simple. Just measure and cut your screen to size and lay it overtop of the drainage layer.
Creating the Background - Expanding Polyurethane Foam Method:
Use expanding polyurethane foam to craft a textured background. Mold it to create natural-looking features such as ledges and caves. Allow it to cure completely before proceeding.
Our go-to is typically Great Stuff “Pond and Stone”. It is marked as safe for fish and the black colour is nice and natural. We have used the standard white Great Stuff foam as well without issues.
For large builds, it is a good idea to silicone some pieces of Easy Drainage Tile or egg crate material to the back glass before proceeding. This gives the foam something extra to hold onto. Our tanks are smaller so this wont be needed in our case, although it certainly wouldn’t hurt
Go slowly at this step and WEAR GLOVES - trust us on this one! An optional addition is to lay out any decorations you want to work into the background. Cork bark is what we are using for this project but driftwood, ghost wood, and anything similar will work great. Feel free to use only foam as well.
Apply foam anywhere you want background in your design. Work the foam around any decorations you have applied in order to secure them in place. We generally do one fairly thin layer at a time with a bit of drying time in between. Don’t worry if it gets too thick, we will carve and shape the foam after it dries completely.
Now the hard part, take a break and let your foam dry overnight…
Wake up, grab a coffee and let’s get back to work. Today we get to be creative and bring the shape to life. Use your cutting and shaping tools of choice (utility knife, steak knife, file, sandpaper, wire brush, etc). Please be careful here and ask for help if needed. This step doesn’t have rules, simply cut the foam away from any undesirable areas and use your imagination to shape it based on your design. If you make a mistake you can always add more foam and try again.
After you are happy with the overall shape of your background it is time to make it look more natural. For this step we have selected a mix of coco fiber and tree fern fiber for a bit of variety in the texture. Use a paintbrush to apply a layer of original polyurethane Gorilla Glue or aquarium safe silicone to all areas of the background that you would like to cover. We generally avoid any cork or wood and focus on covering the exposed foam portions. After covering the background with your adhesive of choice simply press handfuls of the natural material into the glue (again, wear gloves for this step). Don't worry about applying too much, we will remove any excess after it has dried. We recommend coming back and pressing the natural material into the adhesive several times while waiting for things to dry to ensure it has bonded well.
One more overnight break while things dry...
Now, we want to remove any excess natural material from the background. You can carefully turn the enclosure upside down and use a paint brush to gently remove excess. Or, our favorite, use your shop vac and vacuum any loose material from the background. If you notice any thin areas or places you missed with the adhesive feel free to repeat the previous step and glue more material anywhere it is needed until you are 100% happy with the look.
Congratulations, your background is finished!
Option step: If you are feeling artistic, it is safe to use acrylic paint to add detail to the background. We will generally use a few shades of green and brown to dry brush detail that reminds us of moss into the background.
Third Layer - Substrate:
Use a substrate mix which is suitable to the desired humidity level as well as for the animals and plants that will call this enclosure home. The substrate can incorporate components like coconut coir, sphagnum moss, hardwood chips, etc. Please ensure the substrate is free of fertilizer, pesticides, or other chemicals / additives that would be harmful to the inhabitants.
Our go-to substrate at Frog Dirt is the ABG mix which was originally developed by the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This is a time tested blend which has been used extensively by many people for humid vivarium and terrarium setups. Frog Dirt offers a ready to use ABG mix making this step very easy.
Fourth Layer - Leaf Litter:
Add a layer of natural leaf litter, sourced from pesticide-free environments. This not only enhances aesthetics but also provides a food source for your micro fauna and ultimately plants as well as a hiding and foraging area for your animals
Live oak leaves (Quercus virginiana) is typically the standard leaf litter in the hobby. This tree has fairly small leaves which look great in most builds and hold up well over time. We also love magnolia leaves as they provide a bit more variation in colour and are even more resistant to breaking down. A blend of the two can be a beautiful choice to provide an even more natural look and the best of both worlds.
It is common for people to use other leaves such as maple, oak, or tropical species. It really just comes down to the look that you are personally trying to achieve. We find that some thinner species of leaves such as maple or your classic oak break down quite quickly but this just means you will need to top off your leaf layer a bit more often.
Optional - Setting Up the Misting System:
First, you can absolutely be successful with a simple hand spray bottle to mist and water your vivarium. A misting system is a nice to have but is certainly not mandatory. Installing an automated misting system with a timer will simply help to ensure consistency and allow you to fine tune your setup.
Our personal favorite misting systems are those from MistKing. Install following the manufacturers directions provided with your specific kit and then adjust the frequency based on the specific needs of your plants and animals.
For our build we have elected to go with the MistKing Ultimate kit. We love the timer that it comes with for ease of programming down to the specific number of seconds you want each misting cycle to last. This kit comes with a couple of nozzles and more than enough tubing for our build.
We recommend misting with either reverse osmosis or distilled water (RO is preferred). Using tap and/or spring water will leave mineral deposits on your glass which are hard to clean and within your misting system which can create issues.
Lighting:
Select a full spectrum light suitable for growing plants. LED is generally our preference as the fixtures are energy efficient, attractive, and produce little heat. You can certainly be successful with fluorescent plant grow bulbs as well.
For this build, we are testing a new budget friendly option that we found on Amazon. We are always on a mission to make these projects more affordable and accessible to everyone. The light we are testing is the Hygger 957 fixture. We are not affiliated with this brand and do not sell these lights. We will report back over time to share the results!
Planting:
Select plants compatible with your chosen inhabitants as well as the environment that you have created. Consider factors like light requirements, growth patterns, and compatibility with the vivarium's overall design. It is not necessary to completely pack your vivarium with plants on day 1. Leave space for them to grow and also space for you to add any amazing new plant finds that you come across over time.
Before adding new plants to your vivarium it is recommended to quarantine for a period of time and observe for any pests. Before adding to your vivarium it is also recommended to wash off any soil or potting mix that your plant was purchased in.
Some commonly recommended plants for a humid vivarium are:
1. Marcgravia: This stunning vining plant is renowned for its unique foliage and rapid growth. With its vibrant green leaves and intricate network of aerial roots, Marcgravia adds a touch of tropical elegance to any vivarium. Perfect for creating lush vertical accents and providing shelter for small animals.
2. Oak Leaf Creeping Ficus (Ficus pumila 'Quercifolia'): Known for its charming oak-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit, Oak Leaf Creeping Ficus is an excellent choice for adding naturalistic ground cover to your vivarium. Its hardy nature and tolerance to high humidity make it ideal for creating a lush, verdant landscape.
3. Neoregelia Bromeliads: These striking bromeliads are prized for their vibrant foliage and unique rosette shapes. With their ability to hold water in their central cups, Neoregelia bromeliads provide essential hydration for vivarium inhabitants while adding a pop of color and texture to the landscape. Their compact size and easy care make them perfect for vivariums of all sizes.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A staple in the world of vivariums, Pothos is beloved for its vigorous growth, air-purifying qualities, and adaptability to various light conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines create a lush, jungle-like aesthetic, while its resilience makes it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike. Pothos has an aggressive growth habit which should be considered when selecting it for your habitat.
5. Peperomia: With its diverse range of species and striking foliage patterns, Peperomia is a versatile plant that thrives in humid vivarium environments. From velvety leaves to intricate textures, Peperomias add visual interest and depth to vivarium landscapes. Their compact size and low maintenance requirements make them an ideal choice for terrariums of all sizes.
While the plants above are fantastic choices for a humid vivarium, the possibilities are virtually endless. Philodendrons, mosses, orchids, and many other plant species also thrive in high humidity environments and can further enhance the beauty and functionality of your vivarium. Feel free to explore and experiment with different plant combinations to create a lush, biodiverse ecosystem that suits your unique vision and the needs of your vivarium inhabitants.
Clean Up Crew (Microfauna):
Introduce a cleanup crew of microfauna which are beneficial organisms to maintain a balanced ecosystem. They play a crucial role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
We include tropical white springtails in all of our builds. Springtails are extremely small and generally go unseen in a vivarium. Behind the scenes they do a fantastic job of keeping mold at bay and helping to breakdown waste.
Isopods may also be included. Do your research when adding isopods though as there is a wide range of care and compatibility differences between species. In our experience, Dwarf white isopods (Trichorhina tomentosa) are the safest choice for vivariums with powder species such as the Powder Orange (Porcellionides pruinosus) coming in second.
Test Period and Fine Tuning:
Fine-tune environmental factors such as lighting intensity, temperature, and humidity to create a stable and suitable habitat for your vivarium's inhabitants. Monitor environmental parameters closely during the test period. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure stability before introducing animals.
Adding Animals:
Acclimate your chosen animals slowly to their new environment. Monitor their behavior and adjust conditions as needed to ensure a seamless transition. Similar to plant additions, it is also recommended to quarantine any new animals for a period of time to ensure they are healthy and don't introduce anything unwanted into your vivarium.
For our build we have selected a group Ranitomeya reticulata, the smallest variety of thumbnail dart frogs. These young frogs are settling into the environment extremely well and it is a joy to watch them exploring this habitat.
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