How I Made my Vivarium Look Like a Zoo Exhibit with FOAM - DIY Terrarium Background Walkthrough!

Meet my hand-sculpted gecko enclosure, a totally DIY terrarium background! This tank is way cooler than any other enclosure I've ever made. It's because I put so much love into it.
The video is pretty much a step-by-step walkthrough, I hope it can inspire someone!
I can't wait to put my leopard gecko in there once I am sure she is totally healthy!

The Challenge Participators! @SimplyBetta , @RachelOLeary , @tylerrugge , @Jaywil07 , @ellesreptiles , @KristenLeannimal , @WillNace , @pecktec , @FloridasWildest
Go watch everyone and Vote!

------------------------------
Instagram: @simplybettafish
Tiktok (I'm new-ish!): @simplybettafish
------------------------------

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:46 Vision Cage Explanation!
2:53 The Plan
3:50 Light Fixtures
5:08 The Structure
7:04 Design!
8:53 Foam and Carving
10:37 Rock Sculpting
13:05 Paint
13:33 Dirt!
14:45 Plants
15:09 Outtro

[SimplyBetta]

There is a list of the participants in the video description!

[FishForThought]

Oh man, your leo is gonna looove those dark comfy hiding spots. Also that centrepiece aloe gives me life xD

[KristenLeannimal]

Those rock caves are the COOLEST! Ahhh I love it.

[mssnowhite]

" *gasp!* THE LANDSCAPING! Oh my God! I JUST got it! "

- That was hilarious!!! I was trying so hard not to spit my drink out! 😅

[amandaconnell]

I definitely haven’t seen anything created like this in my research, and honestly I’m STUNNED! I was sceptical at first but you blew me away! Fantastic work, and I’ll be stealing some ideas for myself in the future!

[MikeTytula]

Awesome video! Thanks for the shout out. The tips for succulents, make sure you water them more regularly than you might expect. Typically, it ends up being once a week or so. Only thing I would mention is because it appears you silicones down most (if not all) of the substrate make sure when your leo picks his spot to poop, you put a square of toilet paper or something there so it’s easily cleaned up.

[nirvanaquatics]

It turned out wonderful! As for succulents, the only thing you really have to do is avoid overwatering. Only water when the soil under them is really dry. I highly recommend getting a moisture meter for this purpose until you begin to notice the subtle signs that the plants need water just by looking at them. Bonus, the moisture meter spike will help aerate the soil and keep things from compacting and becoming anaerobic.

[turningcursive]

I haven’t seen this build method before with the epoxy sculpting but I totally love this! Can’t wait to see the gecko in there!

[ecks]

That came out soooo great ive not seen anyone use that material for the rocks . I dont have fish i have snakes but enjoy you and your channel . You seem fun and i like to see the passion you have for all your animals and fish . You are such a little worker .i appreciate the love you have that you squish these projects in your day even though your time is very short after taking care of your family.

[SuperDaveP]

I love that entire setup A LOT!! It looks so much like where they are found in the wild! Even if not a Taylor-original, the use of balloons was totally awesome!

[KyuubiCore]

As someone that never owned any aquariums or terrariums this is so insane to me but in the best way possible, it's so fascinating and takes a lot of work which I could never commit to lol. You're really dedicated and have a great feel for what something should look like, truly impressive and it really turned out amazing 😍 Even if I'll never make anything like this it's super satisfying to watch and your personality and editing makes it that much more fun 😏👍

[griffinblade]

Taylor/Penny DIYs is the stuff my heart needs after a hard day, thank you! this came out amazing! i love the rock caves!!

[xwingday]

The aquascaping/landscaping comment made my night. Thank you so much. I like watching these videos not just for fish tips, but also for that feel as if I am dorking out with a friend over bettas. So thanks, they brighten my day.

[RadioactuveToy]

I love finding various DIY background builds. Everyone uses different materials and I always learn a new material to try. Never heard of the epoxy you used. Great build by they way!

[myhomeaquarium]

Omg this looks so amazing!!! Also aquascaping... landscaping LOL 😂😂😂😂 sorry that cracked me up 😜

[pauloconnor]

Those are some of the best natural looking DIY terrarium rocks I've seen. You did a great job on them. Thanks for sharing.

[GoldsGymLisa]

This is such a brilliant idea! I absolutely love this! Great job:))) I also love the way you speak. You are so articulate and clear in your presentation. Thank you so much!

[Tony_Fingazs]

Has to be one of the best enclosures I have seen. You did a great job. You could easily sell them, hell I would buy it. Great job

[MurasakiToshiko]

I really love the hard work and dedication you put into this projects. Hope you'll have a happy lil gecko

[lilicovič]

girl i am SOOOO glad this video was in my feed! i love your personality and how silly you are! not to mention, i love how in depth you go about the cage! and i've been looking for a tutorial on how to do a rocky cave like what you made here. and i love the hack you used with the balloons, , never would of thought of that!