2ft Paludarium Build

[Mumma.of.two]

Hi guys. It's been a while since I've been here. I'm building a paludarium as a little project over the school holidays and I thought I'd document the process. It's been years since I did a proper tank build so bare with me.

So far we have:

2ft tank - haven't measured it but just by eyeballing it, it's 2 x 1.5ish x 1.5ish.

Expanding foam - Parfix foam fill. I've used this on many projects over the years and never had an issue.

100% silicone - Selley's

Coco hanging basket liners

Lava rock - collected over the years from various LFS.

Eucalyptus branches - collected and dried these myself.

Zipties

Mesh pond pots

Cococoir block

Matrix garden floor panels - can never find eggcrate around here so these are a perfect replacement.

Fibreglass fly screen mesh

Super glue

 

[Mumma.of.two]

First thing was to clean up the tank. It's been sitting around for years so needed a lot of work to clean up. I used white vinegar, water and razor blades to get most of the hard water deposits off.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

I used the floor panels, mesh pots and zip ties to construct the main shape of the platform. It took many hours and heaps of changes before I was happy with it. It is going to sit just about the waterline to allow the plants somewhere to grow without getting waterlogged.

I left a large space under the platform and in the corner to allow equipment to be hidden. This is almost the final design I went with. Forgot to take pics of the final design.

I lined the top of the platform with the fly mesh. This will help stop the growing medium from falling into the water below. On top of that I tied on some of the coco liners.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Turned the tank on its side and siliconed the platform to the glass. Once it was set enough not to move, I turned it right ways up and arranged the lava rock and branches. I used the spray foam to fill the gaps. As usual, I ran out. Will have to get some more. I will let this lot cure overnight before carving the foam to the desired shape.

 

[SaraB]

Once you do this is it permanent or can it be removed. I've always wanted to do a paludarium but have been a bit confused about how to build the ground part.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

With a razor blade and a lot of patience definitely removable.

Once you do this is it permanent or can it be removed. I've always wanted to do a paludarium but have been a bit confused about how to build the ground part.

 

[SaraB]

Thank you. Is there another way to build up the ground or is this just the safest? I imagine doing it this way prevents erosion.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

I'm far from an expert. It depends on what you plan to keep. You can use glass or acrylic dividers or build up hardscape to create a land mass. I wanted an area that wouldn't be constantly wet so I could plant an assortment of my house plants. I stalked dendroboard for ideas then made it up to suit me.

Thank you. Is there another way to build up the ground or is this just the safest? I imagine doing it this way prevents erosion.

 

[SaraB]

Thanks, I haven't made one before and want all the advice I can get. I might eventually turn my 20g into one.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Do it! It's fun to try something different [emoji6]

Thanks, I haven't made one before and want all the advice I can get. I might eventually turn my 20g into one.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Carved the cured foam and started attaching smaller rocks over it with silicone.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Finished gluing on rocks and covered bare spots on the terrestrial part with silicone and cococoir. I also finished off the waterfall area (last pic).

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Today I added substrate (coco coir, peat moss, orchid bark, sand, charcoal) and started planting the 'land'. I really like how it's coming together! Next step is a diy filter, getting the waterfall going and filling with water.