This video documents the process of setting up a 600-gallon vivarium, which is a large enclosed ecosystem for plants and potentially animals. The creator custom-built the enclosure, carved and textured the foam background, attached cork round tubes to create a tree-like structure, and added expanding foam for stability. They then carved and textured the foam background, applied a black base coat with Drylok, added various plants (including bromeliads, ferns, air plants, and moss), incorporated leaf litter, seed pods, and moss, and introduced a cleanup crew of springtails and isopods. The final result is a stunning and intricate living piece of art in the form of a lush jungle habitat.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The vivarium is 600 gallons in size and has been in the works for at least a year.
2. The enclosure measures 72 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and 87 inches tall.
3. The base material for the background is XPS insulation foam.
4. The foam is secured to the sides of the tank with silicone.
5. Expanding foam is used to further secure and shape the background.
6. A wire brush drill bit and a kitchen knife are used for carving and adding texture.
7. Grout and sand mixture is applied to the background for a finished look.
8. A false bottom for drainage is created using leca pellets and geotextile fabric.
9. The substrate is a mix of various materials including cocoa fiber, cocoa chips, horticultural charcoal, and more.
10. Over 60 bromeliads are added for color and aesthetics.
11. Epiphytic ferns, ground plants, and other foliage are integrated into the setup.
12. Vines like Cebu Blue Pothos are added for a natural look.
13. Oak leaves and Peruvian leaves are used as top dressing and fertilizer for the plants.
14. Seed pods, manzanita wood, and moss contribute to the natural look.
15. Springtails and isopods are introduced as part of the cleanup crew.
Please let me know if you need any further information or specific details!