My Paludarium

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Dominik Schmitt - 7 years ago

Very interesting! How was your excpierience combining the frogs and the fire-bellies? In the internet, people tell they sould not be combined..

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

The paludarium began to fail after about a year and I took it down. I was never sure of the reason, but I suspected that the filtration was insufficient and that some areas of the clay balls may have become anaerobic. I have since made a new one with a false bottom instead of building up the clay balls and with more powerful filtration. It is doing much better after 2 years. I just need to make a new video.

Dominik Schmitt - 7 years ago

PS: by the way - it's only three years ago. The frogs and also the fire-bellies can reach about 15years. Are they dead or is the paludarium gone? One thing in the internet is also that both will die because of the poison both have on their skin..

Dominik Schmitt - 7 years ago

Okay. That's good, because I wanted to bring them together in a Paludarium too and didn't know if I should. But when it worked in yours, I guess I will try the same! I am just afraid that the fire-bellies eat my Amanos

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

You know, it was so long ago, I really don't recall. I know I never saw the newt eat any of the frogs.

IJA IJA - 7 years ago

Do you have tutorial / steps for how to make this ?

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Sorry, I don't, but I have since made another version of this tank and took photos of the build and hope to make a video showing the steps some time in the future.

breker19er - 7 years ago

Wow!!!

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Thanks!

Manuel Meraz - 7 years ago

what kind of filter system for you use?

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Not exactly sure what you mean by capacity of the bombs. My new tank appears to be lasting longer than the one videoed here, but there were other differences besides the filtration, so it's hard to know the reasons. In my new tank I used a false bottom on one of the land masses, and a tree stump for the other, as opposed to just building up the land masses with piles of clay balls as I did in the one pictured here.

Manuel Meraz - 7 years ago

so, what went well for filtration? capacity of the bombs?

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

In this one I used only a submersible ovation filter to both filter and power the waterfall. After about a year this tank didn't do so well, and the in second version ( I should post a video) I used the ovation for the waterfall but used a canister filter also. Can't remember the brand offhand.

PITTViper - 7 years ago

Holy crap this is so frickin cool! Also, what animals do you keep in there?

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Thanks! Unfortunately this tank is defunct. The only animal I had that at times left the water was the fire-bellied newt. I rarely saw him as he hid most of the time, and the water temp was a bit high for his liking.

Andy Krasa - 7 years ago

awesome! how did you do this? ☺

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Thanks! The land masses were made by enclosing areas with rocks from my yard and filling them with loose clay balls and some "logs" made from clay balls in knee high stockings. Substrate for terrestrial plants placed over that. Waterfall powered by an ovation underwater filter with stream bed made from a remnant of commercial pond liner. This particular set up faired well for about a year and then went downhill. I have since made a slightly different one with more filtration which is going well after 1 1/2 years. Need to put up a new video

Elysian Dreams - 7 years ago

You should make a tutorial on how to set up a tank like this. I would love to know how you made the waterfall and stream.

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Thank you. I have since made a second tank and have considered making a video or writing an article of the build. I used an underwater ovation filter to power the waterfall and brought the tube up thought a small PVC pipe with an elbow, surrounding it with stones, bark and plants. The stream is built like a miniature outdoor stream, with a pond and liner laid into the substrate, hidden and covered with stones and pebbles.

david w - 7 years ago

why do you have african frogs in there? dont they eat everything?

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

I think you may be confusing them with clawed African frogs:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_clawed_frog#As_pets

david w - 7 years ago

then is there a frog that looks just like it and gets really fat and eats everything it can get a hold of?

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Dwarf African frogs are not aggressive. http://frogworld.net/african-dwarf-frog/

Eswin Castillo Villa - 7 years ago

la gregaste con el adorno buda; le quitaste naturaleza al paludario

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

I'm not sure I completely understand, but thank you!

10. comment for My Paludarium

QuinnTheEskimo - 7 years ago

beautiful! love your youtube name also ^_^

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Haha! Thanks. Everybody's gonna want a dose of you, LOL.

MrRideutah - 7 years ago

L like how it looks from the 80s

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Haha! I didn't know paludariums had style trends.

Berry Bertin - 7 years ago

this tank is amazing, do you know the name of those round leaf creepers? I want the same for my terrarium

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Thanks so much. The plant you are asking about is creeping fig, Ficus Pumila. It is a vigorous grower and can take over a tank if not regularly pruned.

Sharon Hesterlee - 7 years ago

This is beautiful and inspirational--thanks for posting! I am in the process of planning a palidarium setup for my 75 gallon (the current inhabitants are moving into a 150 gallon aquarium). I'm really good with fish and amphibians but not so much with plants so this will be a real learning experience!

Shawn Doe - 7 years ago

Amazing Video. Can the newts pick off small fish??? Thanx: Shawn

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Thanks! Never seemed to have a problem with that.

Dante D'Andrea - 7 years ago

Jurassic Paludarium

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9gW5o-2q4k

Joshua Hall - 8 years ago

I would love to have something like this. any advice about where you got the supplies/what you used?

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

Most of the supplies ( Tank, lighting, filters, etc) are no different than what you would need for a regular planted tank.In my second paludarium I used 2 filters, a Cascade canister filter as well as a small submersible ovation filter to power the waterfall, and an LED light. If you go with a false bottom, you can purchase "egg crate" at your local big box hardware store, i.e. Home Depot. If you use clay balls they are available at all hydroponic stores, and, of course, Amazon. Depending what you use for substrate for the terrestrial plants, most items can be purchased at pet shops in the reptile section ( i.e. coir) or Home Depot. Black Jungle (http://www.blackjungle.com) is also a good source for plants and substrates. I also gathered leaf mold and stones from my yard.Hope this helps. You should check out the forums online. Good luck!

Brennan Fisher - 8 years ago

This is so awesome it's given me the inspiration to build a tank like this for my spotted salamander

Brennan Fisher - 8 years ago

+1969hippiechick right now he's still a baby but whenever I walk in he's poking his head outta somewhere...should be fun though. This is really awesome!!!

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

Thanks and good luck!! Does your spotted salamander like to hide? Because if he does, in a tank like this you may see him only when he comes out to eat.

Alex Quinn - 8 years ago

Beautiful work! What is the upkeep like for such a large tank?

Kisha Kwlwl - 7 years ago

1969hippiechick what? failed to thrive?.. this is one of best that I have ever seen... well you probably improved your new one.

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

Thanks! This tank has been taken down because after about a year it failed to thrive. I think perhaps it needed more filtration and water movement. I have a new tank with improved filtration but haven't gotten a good video of it yet. The upkeep of the water is not really different than a common planted tank with regular water changes, fertilizing, etc. Some of the fast growing terrestrial plants require a lot of pruning, and the stream needed to be tended to as it often began to overflow its banks and soak the plant substrate.

Ed A. - 8 years ago

What kind of maintenance do you need to do on these? I'm a total newbie to the realm of paludariums and what not.

Ed A. - 8 years ago

+1969hippiechick thank you!

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+Ed A. In this tank I used only a small submersible ovation filter that ran the waterfall. Everything was wonderful for about 10-12 months, but then many of the terrestrial plants started to die, and then the aquatic plants didn't thrive and fish started to slowly die off. I tried all sorts of things but finally gave up, I suspected that perhaps the mounds of clay balls under the land masses had gotten full of detritus and were poisoning the tank. Going with that theory, with the new tank I used a tree stump I dug from the garden for one land mass, and used a false bottom for the other, and now besides the ovation filter I have a canister filter with the outflow under the false bottom and the inflow on the other side of the tank providing lots of water movement even under the land ( I hope!)

Ed A. - 8 years ago

+1969hippiechick gotcha. What kind of filtration do you have?

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+Ed A. oh. One more thing I forgot. Every 2-3 days I need to add more water. Between evaporation and the terrestrial plants taking it up, the level goes down pretty quickly.

Ed A. - 8 years ago

+1969hippiechick haha thanks for the help

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+Ed A. I treat it just like a regular low-tech fresh water planted tank.I do partial water changes every week or two. I sometimes skim the water off if there is a film developing, or I siphon off the bottom with a turkey baster. I am kind of haphazard about adding fertilizer and sometimes add flourish excel. The biggest job is pruning the land plants as they can get out of control. And I like to play in the stream, LOL.

20. comment for My Paludarium

Nick - 8 years ago

Beautiful..!!! I've kept fish all my life, I always try to make look as natural looking as possible, I just started building a Vivarium in a 40 breeder, stood up. for dart frogs maybe a Day gecko. I also have 2 freshwater & 1 saltwater tank, It's the only hobby that can hold my interest...lol ( Gemini 1969 as well ) Once again your tank is Beautiful.!!!

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+2869may Thanks! It is a fun hobby. Good luck with your vivarium!

Héctor Fabián Pérez - 8 years ago

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+chelamaniatic Thanks!

Héctor Fabián Pérez - 8 years ago

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+chelamaniatic Thanks!

Victoria Stark - 8 years ago

Your video is absolutely lovely. Thank you for the inspiration. Beautiful.

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+Victoria Stark Thank you so much! I have made a new tank and should take a video and post it.

Franklin Michael - 8 years ago

Update with better video quality?? the tank looks awesome.

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+Franklin Michael Thanks! I'll have to try that.

Franklin Michael - 8 years ago

+1969hippiechick Iphone will look better

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+Franklin Michael Thanks. This tank is no more, but I just built a new one. Need to make a video of the new one but not sure I have any better video quality at my disposal.

Daniel Jenkins - 9 years ago

I notice you have now broken down this set up can i ask the reason why as i am in the process of doing something similar and just wanted to know if it was problems time or just moving on to other things.

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

+Daniel Jenkins - Yes there were problems. After about 10-12 months the terrestrial plants started to die, and even their replacements died. I thought perhaps they were getting too wet and I tried to stuff more clay balls below them but it didn't help. Then the fish started to suffer as well and I finally gave up. I'm not sure but I suspected that perhaps the water got yucky and stagnant among the submersed clay balls. I am in the process right now of starting a new tank. Much to my dismay I am putting in a false bottom ( made with small plastic crates like small versions of milk crates covered by egg crate) on one side of the tank and some wood from my yard on the other. I am also going to use a stronger filter to circulate the water more effectively. Good luck with your tank!

Slimebeast Pug - 9 years ago

Wow, beautiful. Is this really only 75 gallon (which would be less than 300 liters)?

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

+Slimebeast Pug Thank you! It is actually a 73 gallon bowfront.

1nation1love - 9 years ago

this is art my friend awsome

jeff mosier - 9 years ago

+1nation1love lOVE YOUR HANDLE!

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

+1nation1love Thank you so much!

tushluasfresno - 9 years ago

Dam.. At first I thought I wanted to set an acquarium, but after seeing this I'm no long interest in those fish tank. I want a Vivarium, or Paludarium..

Tammy Jeffres - 7 years ago

I think you will like the use of the lava rock. It definitely will add bio filtration and if you can, purchase one of the little filters for $30(Amazon) that is like your Ovation, but has a small UV light in it. It will cut down on the algae and all that reptile slime that messes with the water quality. You are quite artistic. I only saw the tree trunk briefly. Was that painted in the background or an actual sculpted piece?

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

Thanks tushluasfresno.I love that it combines two of my hobbies- terrariums and aquariums. Lots of fun and lots to learn and discover. If I wasn't feeling under the weather today I would be out buying sand and lava rock for my next setup. Trying something a bit different. Hope I like it, but there's always next time.

Morrison Blud - 9 years ago

How did you make the stream effect? It looks awesome.

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

Thanks! A submersed filter is hidden behind the land mass on the right. A hose leads through PVC pipe to the waterfall. The stream is made with pieces of outdoor pond liner covered with pebbles and small rocks.

30. comment for My Paludarium

LJS African Cichlids - 9 years ago

great looking paludarium come check out my 40 gal mixed species paludarium btw congrats again on the paludarium
p.s u got a sub

LJS African Cichlids - 9 years ago

if u click on the videos it will be under (my mixed paludarium) btw thanks for checking my channel out :)

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

Thanks. I went to your page but somehow don't see a palladium video ?

Tad Foster - 9 years ago

Outstanding work on this. I especially love the waterfall and creek. How do you keep the creek from soaking into the substrate before it reaches the water?

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

The Creek bed is made with a flexible impermeable liner like the stuff used for outdoor water features. My LFS had some extra lying around and gave me a small piece which was all I needed. Then I covered it with stones.

_pancakes - 9 years ago

Would you do an update video on this?

_pancakes - 9 years ago

Alright :)

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

This tank looked great for about 18 months. Then most of the plants on the right side of the tank started dying. I thought perhaps they were getting waterlogged so I removed the old soil and added more clay balls and fresh soil. That seemed to work for a while but then for some reason the waterfall started splashing the plants and they died again. So I am planning on breaking down at least the left side of the tank if not the whole thing. If I do that I'll post an update.

Daniel Bolf - 9 years ago

Wow! What a beautiful display. One of the nicest I've ever seen.

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

Thanks so much Daniel!

lookatthebriteside - 9 years ago

Serpa Tetra! Beautiful setup, it looks ginormous.

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+lookatthebriteside So sorry I missed your post. Thanks!

Brian Bloomfield - 10 years ago

I love this set up. Just gorgeous.

Brian Bloomfield - 10 years ago

Your welcome! I need to post more of my planted tanks on here.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks Brian!

Ian Cook - 10 years ago

Hi +1969hippiechick .... This paludarium is so tranquil and natural looking... A credit to you and inspiration for my next tank.. Love it :)
Maybe you would like to see what I have done with my pal ... The Billabong Paludarium 10 months old

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+Ian Cook So sorry I missed your post. Thank you. Your tank is quite lovely. Those frogs must be very happy!

steve harper - 10 years ago

great tank . one question are your land plants in pots and if so have they got holes in the bottom thanks

steve harper - 10 years ago

+1969hippiechick thanks for the reply if you do redo it can you make a video of the setting up would be really interesting .

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

No they are not in pots, just planted in the substrate. I should add that the tank thrived that way for about a year, and then some ( not all) of the land plants started dying. I think maybe there was settling of the clay balls and the land area became too wet?? I have tried to push more clay balls underneath but now that it is 2 years old I think maybe it is time to re-do it.

loue jackman - 10 years ago

i have some Qs for u can u help me out plz

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

I can try. What are your questions?

Paul Richardson - 10 years ago

it looks like youve taken a chunck out of one of my local streams apart from the fish we dont get those in the streams in this part of the world unfortunately

Paul Richardson - 10 years ago

well im in the highlands of scotland and some of our wooded area streams do look like they belong in a rainforrest but unfortunately the temperature isnt lol

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks Paul. That was the look I was going for. I live in New England and this reminds me of home.

Paul Richardson - 10 years ago

that is so cool, nice job :D backing track is quite nice too lol

1969hippiechick - 7 years ago

Sorry I don't understand what you are asking.

Sunwell Cleanser - 7 years ago

Tabs for it please?

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+Paul Richardson So sorry I missed your post somehow. Thank you. I will pass that on to my friend who is the guitarist.

kent g - 10 years ago

Very nice

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks!

Dario Papetti - 10 years ago

It's amazing! What kind of plant are there?

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Sorry I don't remember all the terrestrial plants but they include fittonia, creeping fig, a selanginella, an ivy, and java moss which is also used in the water . (Great plant!). The aquatic plants include dwarf hair grass, anubia, java fern, elodea, pennywort. Hope that helps.

Vicente - 10 years ago

how do you control snails?

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Not sure why, but I have never ever had snail problems. Maybe my water is too soft?

Vicente - 10 years ago

great

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks!

69bonesz - 10 years ago

Watching this tank every couple of months, still no update :(
So nice, wanna see more, then ask a magician, to get me tiny, so I can build my home in there :)

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+69bonesz Thanks! You too.

69bonesz - 8 years ago

+1969hippiechick Ow np, tnx for the text update! Sometimes I also get my comments late or not...no idea what the problem is with that. Nice you got a new tank set up! My paludarium is also still standing in the kitchen and waiting for me to make it proper again...no time yet..so when you got a video of yours, send it to me and maybe i get inspiration to start mine again soon ;) Have a nice weekend, groetjes Bianca

1969hippiechick - 8 years ago

+69bonesz Somehow I seem to have missed a bunch of posts, or my replies have disappeared? I have taken this tank down as it started to deteriorate, and have built it back up again.Now I need to figure out how to take a good video with my iPhone.

Aleos Oricos - 10 years ago

Spectacular

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thank you!

Hooper Humperdink - 10 years ago

Looks awesome, great job....you have a good eye for this.
What kind of light are you using? Wich plants are thriving? I have a simular setup but he soil got too water logged and my ferns died.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks!

Well, I was using a very old Perfecto fixture with two compact fluorescents, but it died yesterday :( Just bought an LED light but haven't set it up yet. Pretty pricey, but you don't have to change bulbs and it should last for 5 years. The color looked pretty good in the store. We'll see.

For the first year ALL my plants thrived. More recently I too have been having problems with plants getting waterlogged and I am stumped as to what changed. I don't know if maybe things settled a bit? I tried stuffing more clay balls under the soil but not sure if that did the trick. Still, many of the plants appear to be indestructible. The schefflera is hard to keep short enough. The creeping fig runs rampant and needs frequent pruning but I love the way it fills things in. I can't remember the name of the spotted plant, but when it gets too tall I just cut off the top and stick it back in the soil and in a day or two it is good as new.I had to pull up one of the ferns that wasn't waterlogged but got way too big, and just noticed there are a few tiny baby ferns that sprung up so hope they do well.

Is there somewhere I can see your set-up?

Frankus Lee - 10 years ago

Good job. That looks amazing. I am thinking about building one of these for my Fishing Spider. A deffo sub.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks Frankus! Good luck with yours.

William McDonough - 10 years ago

I love this, pretty sure I've watched it 20 times

I was thinking of doing something like this in a drilled 72g bow front, but with a canister filter underneath.

Hooper Humperdink - 10 years ago

Eheims are great for full aquariums, but they are self priming so it doesnt work for low water levels....I too learned this from experience.
I found that the Marineland Magnum 350 canister filters are perfect for this kind of set up. I have a 40 gal breeder with fire belly toads with only a few inches of water and it works perfect.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks so much William. I originally tried to use an Eheim canister filter underneath, despite the fact that my LFS guy warned me it might not work, and he was right.I don't remember all the details or the reasoning now, but I gave up and used the underwater filter which has been working well for about 18 months. My tank was not drilled however.

50. comment for My Paludarium

FureverCute - 10 years ago

How do you clean it?

TheRegectedMuppett - 10 years ago

+1969hippiechick is this a tank with just plants and fish, or do you have frogs in it as well

FureverCute - 10 years ago

+1969hippiechick Oh okay. Doesn't seem to hard.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

In general it is in a good balance. Upkeep is minimal. I need to add water every 2-3 days due to evaporation and use by the plants. To clean it I siphon detritus off the bottom with a turkey baster. The filter is accessible behind the right land mass, and I clean that in the sink.

Cadens Pet Room - 10 years ago

Can you make an update?

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Good idea Caden. I will put that on my list.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

My apologies if there is anyone whose comments I didn't respond to. I just found some very old comments that were marked as spam, and for a while google changed things and I couldn't figure out how to reply at all.

1969hippiechick - 9 years ago

Thanks so much Jeff. I'm sorry, but at this point I really don't remember what plants I used, and I have broken down the tank. I think I may have answered this in an earlier comment? I Used 2 compact florescent light bulbs, but when the fixture died I replaced it with an LED fixture.

jeff mosier - 9 years ago

+1969hippiechick So So AWSOME. Very tranquil. Could you list the plants you used if not asking too much, and what type lighting

lctikisab007 - 10 years ago

Ohhhhhh my goshhh Hippiechick...im speechless. I must have this...I'd give
anything for a step by step if you ever make another one.

lctikisab007 - 10 years ago

cool thanks for mentioning my post. Yeah you should start a blog. People in my neck of the woods are starting to catch on to these paludariums and vivariums and other various aquatic interest. The best part of a paludarium for me would be like having my very own personal rainforest right here in my home. Bringing the outside in. If you did start a blog I think you'd have very very good response from people and many followers. Me for one.
thanks alot and good luck to you!

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

+lctikisab007 Good idea! If/when I get around to my new build, maybe I should start a blog.

lctikisab007 - 10 years ago

you should have a blog. Don't think there's too many blogs about paludariums out there. lol
at least not that I know of.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks so much! I may make another smaller one and the editor of the Aquatic Gardening Magazine has asked if I do to take pics and write an article. Hopefully I will do that! I do have a couple of construction photos but not sure how or if I could post them here.

Jill Johansen - 10 years ago

This is beautiful. I was researching, planning on turning my 77g aquarium into a Paludarium, and this is pretty much what i was picturing, right down to the inhabitants (minus the tetras and frogs, and I was gonna go marbled newts, but still) have you had any problems with the newt eating the shrimp or minnows?

j bjerregaard - 10 years ago

+1969hippiechick One problem with having newts successfully is that they all require cool water.

Jill Johansen - 10 years ago

+1969hippiechick
oh, that's too bad. It's still lovely though, with just the fish!

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks Jill. The newt did not appear to eat the minnows or the shrimp. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful in keeping this newt or several other attempts alive in the tank. I'm not sure of the problem, but at this point have pretty much given up on newts.

HIppiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks scarbar23! The song is Prelude from Cello Suite III (J.S. Bach) from JOhn Lehmann-Haupt's Songs of the guitar : https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/songs-of-the-guitar/id138458070

scarhbar23 - 10 years ago

Amazing tank! What is the song name??

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Sorry. Google + is wreaking havoc on my Youtube site. The song is Prelude from Cello Suite III (J.S. Bach) John Lehmann-Haupt Songs of the Guitar and can be found on this album: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/songs-of-the-guitar/id138458070

Kyle Sandilands - 10 years ago

Beautiful

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thank you.

petra Vermeer - 10 years ago

Incredible , You can put this in my home as well ! I like it a lot .

petra Vermeer - 10 years ago

I also have some Fire bellied, made a much more little home for them now, because I could not find them back ! lol.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

+petra Vermeer HI - sorry to take so long to reply. Google was messing with my head. It was a fire bellied newt.

petra Vermeer - 10 years ago

+1969hippiechick You have Dwarf clowd frogs ( 24 * Celsius) and black Salamanders (gold water) together . which kind of salamanders are they ?.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks!

Blah Blab - 10 years ago

A chick that's hippy and into green, I love you hippiechick. Just saw your response below about plants dying...maybe because you're using a soil-like substrate (usually they're enert or don't give off enough nutrition for demanding plants) unless you're fertilizing, or perhaps a biotope that large is still finding it's balance? What'd be rad is if you used a drip system to water your plants using water pumped from the bottom of the pond substrate and returned to the pond, as they do aquaponics. If you do that already then I'm more in love haha. Big thumbs up! I LOVE it, zoo worthy!

Blah Blab - 10 years ago

Lol. So now I am completely enamored haha. Go all out and rig up a variable water level system to further replicate a natural setting!:D Perhaps that could help the oxygenation of your plant roots and the substrate being too wet all the time? Rock it rad hippy chick.

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks Blah Blab! No need to water or fertilize substrate as water from the tank is drawn up through the clay balls into the substrate and fertilizer is added to tank water as needed. If anything the substrate is already too wet.

SmokeumPeacepipe - 10 years ago

this is incredible. i was blown away by the filter powered stream! such a striking detail in your obviously well thought out paludarium. i have to ask, how did set it up so that the filter is in your substrate, but draws water from the main body of water?

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks! The base of the land areas is made up of clay balls that are used in hydroponics, with the soil-like substrate layered on top of this. The filter is behind the land-mass in the water portion, where I have access to it. The outflow tube goes up through a hidden PVC pipe and out into the stream. This was extremely successful at first, though recently ( over a year after set-up) it seems the soil may be getting a bit waterlogged and while some plants are thriving, others have died. I'm not sure what has caused this change. Perhaps there's been some settling so that keeping enough water for the fish has caused the soil to become too saturated?

diaboliko catania - 10 years ago

@@@@@@@

Zongcha Xiong - 10 years ago

How did you do this?

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks so much, Zongcha. It is a 75 gallon bow tank with two compact florescent lamps. I put down a layer of gravel, enclosed the two land areas with large rocks from my yard and filled them with clay balls used for hydroponics. I filled nylon knee highs with clay balls and used them as logs to heighten the enclosure, and then added more clay balls. On top of that I added the planting medium. I used an ovation filter which is hidden behind the land on the right.

Thai Ger - 10 years ago

awesome !!

Nona'sArk - 10 years ago

lovely job. Love the budda. Thanks for sharing!

1969hippiechick - 10 years ago

Thanks!

Armands Končus - 11 years ago

I am glad you made it and thanks for mentioning my paludarium as your inspiration! It is very beautiful and deserved better place in AGA contest. You can find updated version of my paludarium (Creeperland 2) here: http://youtu.be/x_1ViYzjpJw

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thank you Armands! I actually watched that video several times last night! I will try to update my comments.

Amithrius - 11 years ago

Gorgeous tank. If I may ask, what did you use a a base for the land areas?

Kisha Kwlwl - 7 years ago

林柏銘 what is wrong with you..

林柏銘 - 8 years ago

l will fuck your mother

Amithrius - 11 years ago

+1969hippiechick Thanks for your reply. I keep several planted aquaria, but this is my first venture into a paludarium. Trust me, the new Google+ requirement is maddening as hell to most people. Are the clay balls you mentioned fired?

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Sorry it took me so long to respond. Youtube just changed it's policies and made me sign up for google+ if I wanted to be able to keep responding to comments which really riled me. Anyway - the land is made up of clay balls either lose or in nylon knee highs surrounded by rocks and wood and topped by growing substrate.

cyberaquarist - 11 years ago

Thanks for offering to give me advice. I've always enjoyed designing my aquariums and overcoming new challenges. I've been thinking of ways to set up a paludarium. I work for a water municipality, so I have access to wetlands and reserviours. I've always collected my own driftwood. I did watch the video in your link above, and it too is a true work of art. However, I still like yours better than any I've ever seen. It appears much larger than it is, and it looks extremely natural. Thanks again!

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Wow! Thank you so much cyberaquarist. I hope the judges at the Aquatic Gardener's Association agree with you ; ) I entered it into their contest this year and am awaiting the results. I'd be happy to help you in anyway I can. When I was making mine I pestered a guy in Latvia who's tank I admired. I added a link to his tank in my description above.

cyberaquarist - 11 years ago

I have been in the aquarium hobby for 32+ years, and your paludarium is the most fantastic work of living art that I've ever seen. Absolutely stunning! I've kept reef tanks, discus, planted tanks, Africans, but none of that compares to this. Your creation has given me inspiration. I've read most of the comments, but I need to do more research before attempting to create something half as good as this. Thanks for posting this.

MrBushel86 - 11 years ago

Very beautiful tank. Inspired me to want to convert my 55g aquarium into a paludarium. May I ask what did you use for a background?

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks!

jeremy leighty - 11 years ago

Very cool

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Not at all. I scrape off algae from the front glass about once every 3 weeks or so. Add water every few days. Once or twice a month I suck off some water and debris with a turkey baster, rinse off the filter, and add more water. Other than that it's just pruning the plants. Pretty care-free.

Da Bug Man - 11 years ago

Ha ha ha! I bet it is a pain to clean that!

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Hi BoY860. The branch in the water is store bought, however the bark that is hiding the wires from the heater/pump is from my backyard. I had no problems with it in this setting. The land area is built up by outlining the areas with stones from my backyard and "logs" of clay nylon knee highs filled with clay balls and filling the enclosure with clay balls and then adding substrate on top. In this way the land plants get the water from the entire water column.

EnVision - 11 years ago

Can you put branches from out side in these? Trying to figure out how ppl get those branches like you have the one big one in the water doesnt look store bought. Also how did you seperate your land from the water it looks very nice

Jacob Beddow - 11 years ago

Sorry to hear that but I'm sure he had a lovely life I this awesome paludarium

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Sadly, Newt Figton has met his maker, but you're right. He came out at feeding time only.

Bailey The Bunny - 11 years ago

im sure that you never see the salamander. lol

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Less than an hour a week I would say. I never kept track of the cost. I'd had the tank for many years. If I had to guess, maybe a couple, three hundred for the substrate, plants, filter, fabric background, pebbles etc.Not really sure, but I doubt it was more than that.

Haha Nala - 11 years ago

How long do you spend a week maintaining? And how much did it cost?

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks Steve. I use a turkey baster to clean the bottom and change the water every few weeks, and top it off every few days.

steve scott - 11 years ago

Absolutely stunning - we are planning to put something together for a couple of green tree froggies - but not in the same league lol - have to ask is it hard to keep the water

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

I was pretty sure it was a joke. Thanks again!

Riuken9898 - 11 years ago

i know it's not for sale i was joking, it was only a playful way to say it's a wonderful paludarium :))

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks Riuken9898 but it's not for sale.

Riuken9898 - 11 years ago

do you sell it? i offer 92789158329418594 euro! one of the best thing i've ever seen..

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thank you Kiet!

Kiet Nguyen - 11 years ago

Sooooooooooooooo beautifulllllllllllllllll

Jay_C26 - 11 years ago

wow, just...Amazing that's all I can say...

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thank you! The waterfall is powered by a small ovation submersible filter that is hidden behind the landmass on the right. The outflow tube is channeled through some small diameter PVC pipe hidden behind the rocks. The stream is merely a rubber liner pressed into the substrate and lined with pebbles.

UlkOgan - 11 years ago

Beautiful! :) How did you make that river/stream and the waterfall?

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Ah. I see. That would be huge! Hard to estimate, but maybe about 15 in the water column, 10 open swimmable gallons.

Gene Burnett - 11 years ago

Yes, they like cooler water...I don't know if they'll do it in shallow water but the males do this funny little display and dance with each other sometimes. GB

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks Gene. I bought them because they like the newt like cooer temps. Have grown quite fond of them.

Gene Burnett - 11 years ago

Lovely tank! White Clouds are some of my favorite fish.

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

molte grazie!

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

These are dwarf African frogs and eat frozen food ( brine shrimp, blood worms) as well as flake food. They are totally aquatic. I'm not sure what you mean by full size? This is 75 gallons.

flora e fauna - 11 years ago

incantevole!!!

100. comment for My Paludarium

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks so much Newtman!

TheNewtman12003 - 11 years ago

Paradise ... well done !

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thank you Alejandro!

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks so much Peter! Glad you enjoyed it.

Peter McGuire - 11 years ago

Hippiechick this is just beautiful and inspiring. Thanks!

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks George.

Lhin Doh - 11 years ago

Unreal but I couldnt get much clarity I kinda missed out on this-(

Alejandro Perdomo - 11 years ago

ME ENCANTO !!!

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

I briefly had a beard alge problem which I solved by getting 3 American flag fish. If I don't feed them enough spirulina they start eating my plants though. There is a small amount of algae on the pebbles but the oto cats seem to keep that controlled.

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks Rodrigo

Rodrigo Angeles - 11 years ago

That is awesome

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

My paludarium does shake when people walk by and in the 10 months of its life I have noticed some clay balls "escaping" and some shifting down of the land mass, but I doubt this would be an issue with a more solid footing.

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks LIasis. While many paludarium builders choose to use a false bottom, I built my land areas by enclosing then with large rocks and filling the space delineated with hydroponic clay balls. I then stuffed knee highs with the clay balls to make the land "walls" of the mass higher and filled this in with more clay balls, topping it off with substrate.

Liaisis - 11 years ago

Hey, really liked your Paludarium. abseloutely stunning! Im planning on turning my fish tank in to a paludarium, where i keep a common musk and a few tetras and endlres guppies. I really wonder how you created the land on each side of your tank, it looks so natural

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

I channeled the outflow tube from the filter through PCV pipe to build the waterfall. The stream is made from black liner material that is used for outdoor water features lined with small rocks. I don't remember all the terrestrial plants but they include fittonia, creeping fig, a selanginella, an ivy, andjava moss which is also used in the water . (Great plant!). The aquatic plants include dwarf hair grass, anubia, java fern, elodea, pennywort. Hope that helps. Have fun!!

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks so much, Liam. It is a 75 gallon bow tank with two compact florescent lamps. I put down a layer of gravel, enclosed the two land areas with large rocks from my yard and filled them with clay balls used for hydroponics. I filled nylon knee highs with clay balls and used them as logs to heighten the enclosure, and then added more clay balls. On top of that I added the planting medium. I used an ovation filter which is hidden behind the land on the right.

Liam Boyd - 11 years ago

Amazing tank. Would it be possible to get information on the plants, lighting, and build itself? Like how you built the stream and waterfall. I would love to know. I hope to build a couple of paludariums soon myself and yours is most definitely an inspiration. Thank you.

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks! You will love it. Mine has been up since about September and not a day goes by that I don't enjoy it.

Anish - 11 years ago

awesome!!!!!... I would love to make one.. I can't wait... going to collect materials.. :) Very nice...

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks! I mixed the substrate for the terrestrial plants from coconut fiber, oak leaf mulch from my woods and orchid bark. The soil is sitting atop clay balls piled just above the water level. They wick the moisture up from the water in the tank, so I never actually water the plants - just add water to the tank.

frankenspud3 - 11 years ago

exceptional! what type of soil do you use? newt figton..heh heh

1969hippiechick - 11 years ago

Thanks! It was so much fun to plan and build and to nature watch in my living room.

cRvbbit _ - 11 years ago

:O amazing!

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