Nice vid, though a couple of suggestions that I've found work well through past experiences.... 1) instead of "great stuff" I used an expanding foam for ponds. Its the same as the "great stuff", but it's black / charcoal in color so it easier to blend into the background. 2) Silicone a pc. of PVC down one corner of the terrarium and run your cords through it. It doesn't need to be that large of diameter, just big enough for the plug on the end of the cord to fit through. Make it long enough so that it goes from top to bottom with only a couple of inches above the bottom and about an inch from the top. This way, when the pump craps out (and we all know that pumps DO crap out) to remove the pump you only need to remove the hydro / substrate from around it and you just pull the cord out through the PVC tube.... No having to cut / ruin the back ground. Replacing the pump after the old one is out is just as easy.... I just drop a bit of string down the PVC tube, tie it to the plug end of the cord, and pull the new cord back up the tube till its all the through and the new pump is in place. After the substrate is all back in place, I pour pebbles down the PVC tube to fill it up and prevent residents / crickets of the terrarium from going down inside it.
hi john> Thanks I was wondering if the Black h20 fall foam was Ok>> It seems would be WAYYY Ezier to use than goin thru all that Coverin up to hide the Cream color GS. > U find it as NON Toxic to amphibs U keep? I was wondering if the H20 falls stuff gets super diluted in a pond/s high h20 Volume MAYBE>
utsuriman Aye, It's fine. That's the same as the foam as I was referring to. Its the same chemical make-up as the regular "Great Stuff " foam that's regularly used for "landscaping" in terrariums around numerous amphibians and reptiles without any issues. I will add though, you WILL still want to smear a layer of black / brown / charcoal coloured 100% silicone over it as a sealer to protect it from standing / running water and/or as an adhesive for your shredded bark or coconut fiber. Mainly because the foam WILL degrade over time especially if left w/o a sealer. If you're referring to being worried about using it "under water" in a permanent manner, I really don't see a problem with that as long as it's been cured and sealed first. The original intended use for the black H2O foam was to be used as an adhesive to "bond" or "mount" the landscaping stones, rocks, logs, bricks together in place around ponds and waterfalls. Not necessarily to be "submerged" and form the actual pool or pond though. I don't think it would get diluted even with excessive amounts of water, so long as it was sealed and allowed to cure properly before being covered/ sunk in the water. Not sure if you've ever seen any of these other Videos, but try looking up some here on U-Tube from "LizzardLandscapes" ...They're very informative and pretty simple also. I've made a few backgrounds in that manner also.
This is among the best vivariums I've seen on here. Can tell it was made by people who have an idea of what looks good as opposed to the usual "THIS IS PLANT. ME PUT HERE." you see in some haha xD
I love Josh's frogs. Purchased from you guys before but this is my first UA-cam video. Brilliant, and you definitely know what you're doing. I love you goobers.
Hey Liz, Absolutely, when incorporating an external filter the work lays in getting the tubing into the vivarium without letting the frogs out. With this style of tank the top is not used often and you will want to cover it anyway. You would have to cut the screen top so that it allows your tube into the tank (it is important to cut a hole just big enough for the tube to fit snugly into the screen). You will want to silicone the edges (Both top and bottom) so that no screen is exposed and the gap between the tube and the screen is completely sealed. Make sure before doing so you have the tubing where you want it and hooked up. Once you silicone it in. You do not want to have to move it. It is best if you can find an external filter with a quick connect for both the intake and output tubes... when doing maintenance you dont want to have to take the tubes out. Thank you Thomas Curator of Dart Frogs
Where did you buy the artificial rocks?? I'm trying to replicate this but I don't have time to make my own rocks and I can't find anything on your site or others. :0 thanks
My only concern is that if the pump goes out how would you change it? Other than that I love the set-up. I am wanting to do a waterfall also its just I'm afraid that if I do this method in not sure on how to change the pimp.
Something like this (just a bit bigger) would be great! We're working on an updated waterfall video for a larger tank that should be posted in the next month or so.
How do you keep the water from flooding the land? I am getting ready to start my dart frog vivarium, I'm goin to do this method but not sure how I'm supposed to customize the water flow. Do I let it flow freely or do I form some type of small stream to end at a small puddle?
What is a good suggestion for an alternative rock or object to use for the planter rock? I like that separation between the pump/substrate and the sand
Is it ok to use real rock as a back ground as long as its not sharp, or are there types of rock that are not good (that might taint the water) ? Thanks in advance
Tron TwoProgram You'll have to see if the rock will affect water chemistry when wet. Keep in mind that heavy rocks may be difficult to secure in place.
+Tron TwoProgram I know this is an old question, but I've always been taught to drip a few drops of vinegar on rock and see if they foam. If they *do* foam, they're going to affect your water and probably shouldn't be used (has lime). Most rock is pretty inert and not harmful.
So what do you do when the pump needs to be cleaned or burns out? I imagine having to tear down a well established tank to get access to the pump must suck.
ajr4888 You dig it out, or devise a prefilter to keep it clean. I like to enclose the pump in a margarine container, poked full of holes, with filter pad shoved in it.
Many of these items are no longer produced. Check out our newer waterfall video - it works with our Vivarium Waterfall Background Construction Kits, available on our website.
awesome! that was one of the biggest "i dunno what to do" moments for me making my first two tanks. I think i will try my luck at making one next time around.
+Joseph Pomaville You can, or just not foam the cord in when you're making the background. I sometimes run the cord through pvc pip that's foamed into the background, so I can remove it if I need to.
Josh's Frogs can I use rocks I find at my beach? We have some pretty good shaped rocks and stones that could be used, i live right on chalky cliffs so would that be a problem if maybe a rock was chalk
Reggie Norman I wouldn't recommend it as there may be pathogens or micro organisms that may harm your tank inhabitants. However I've heard you can set it to bake in an oven to kill any microorganisms present and then/or perform a diluted bleach soaking for the same purpose but to penetrate the surface better to be safe. Then rinse with clean water and you should be fine. Also make sure it isn't a type of rock that can harm your animals with its chemistry regardless of how clean it is. Ex: limestone is harmful and can alter pH for amphibians.
nice job! I would imagine if the material used are safe for amphibians, it would be safe to construct something similar for chameleons as well ? Thanks !
Should we ever worry about bacteria populating in the foam ? or are we making such an environment that theres constant breakdown of wastes and by-products by the ecosystem that its only a real concern if we let faces sit and soil the enclosure? Thank you for your input.
Gregory Huff They did not add anything to the silicone - just changed the label. We have used it for years without issue, but do sell 100% safe aquarium silicone on the Josh's Frogs website.
Casey George I've personally used GE Silicone II Window and Door for years, but they recently changed the formula. Because of this, we now use aquarium grade silicone.
liking this video for Austin's exceptional demonstration skills
"Hi, Austin!!" Was totally not expecting that. Hahaha.
I like people like Austin. He made the video informative and funny. Josh's remark "any day now, Austin" was hilarious :-D too
Nice vid, though a couple of suggestions that I've found work well through past experiences.... 1) instead of "great stuff" I used an expanding foam for ponds. Its the same as the "great stuff", but it's black / charcoal in color so it easier to blend into the background. 2) Silicone a pc. of PVC down one corner of the terrarium and run your cords through it. It doesn't need to be that large of diameter, just big enough for the plug on the end of the cord to fit through. Make it long enough so that it goes from top to bottom with only a couple of inches above the bottom and about an inch from the top. This way, when the pump craps out (and we all know that pumps DO crap out) to remove the pump you only need to remove the hydro / substrate from around it and you just pull the cord out through the PVC tube.... No having to cut / ruin the back ground. Replacing the pump after the old one is out is just as easy.... I just drop a bit of string down the PVC tube, tie it to the plug end of the cord, and pull the new cord back up the tube till its all the through and the new pump is in place. After the substrate is all back in place, I pour pebbles down the PVC tube to fill it up and prevent residents / crickets of the terrarium from going down inside it.
hi john> Thanks I was wondering if the Black h20 fall foam was Ok>> It seems would be WAYYY Ezier to use than goin thru all that Coverin up to hide the Cream color GS. > U find it as NON Toxic to amphibs U keep? I was wondering if the H20 falls stuff gets super diluted in a pond/s high h20 Volume MAYBE>
utsuriman Aye, It's fine. That's the same as the foam as I was referring to. Its the same chemical make-up as the regular "Great Stuff " foam that's regularly used for "landscaping" in terrariums around numerous amphibians and reptiles without any issues. I will add though, you WILL still want to smear a layer of black / brown / charcoal coloured 100% silicone over it as a sealer to protect it from standing / running water and/or as an adhesive for your shredded bark or coconut fiber. Mainly because the foam WILL degrade over time especially if left w/o a sealer.
If you're referring to being worried about using it "under water" in a permanent manner, I really don't see a problem with that as long as it's been cured and sealed first. The original intended use for the black H2O foam was to be used as an adhesive to "bond" or "mount" the landscaping stones, rocks, logs, bricks together in place around ponds and waterfalls. Not necessarily to be "submerged" and form the actual pool or pond though. I don't think it would get diluted even with excessive amounts of water, so long as it was sealed and allowed to cure properly before being covered/ sunk in the water. Not sure if you've ever seen any of these other Videos, but try looking up some here on U-Tube from "LizzardLandscapes" ...They're very informative and pretty simple also. I've made a few backgrounds in that manner also.
Austin is so cute!!! Loved his actions of demonstration lol. Good video.
Came to see how to build a waterfall, stayed for Austin.
This is among the best vivariums I've seen on here. Can tell it was made by people who have an idea of what looks good as opposed to the usual "THIS IS PLANT. ME PUT HERE." you see in some haha xD
EmmaLee Grauman THIS IS PLANT. ME PUT HERE 😂😂😂
I love Josh's frogs. Purchased from you guys before but this is my first UA-cam video. Brilliant, and you definitely know what you're doing. I love you goobers.
Seven years later this is still a useful video.
amazing setup
I love hunk I have found the best video on the Internet, it's informative and hilarious
Amazing! Nice job!
Thanks for the video, very helpful!!!
Austin had my kid laughing! 🐸
Awesome! Would have loved to see the frogs in it
awesome setup
Love vivariums
Thank you for sharing
Beautiful
Good vid. Austine looks like McLovin. lol
Seeing that foam would drive me nuts.
brilliant
cute !
hi josh while the video loads he he I'm thinking on making a water fall in my Terrarium for my tortoise I hope it works :)!
woooow this is bad ass
Where can I buy that tubing? As far as retailers not online.
this looks awesome! could something like this be incorporated into a (much larger) vivarium for a chameleon?
Absolutely! Just make sure the pump has the proper head height!
Do the pumps last a long time? Or is there a way to replace it if needed in the future
hello like the video but i can't find the rock planting on the your website. please help thanks
I was wondering if you can incorporate an external water filter?? Or hide a submersible uv filer.? What is your opinion or experience on filtration?
Hey Liz,
Absolutely, when incorporating an external filter the work lays in getting the tubing into the vivarium without letting the frogs out. With this style of tank the top is not used often and you will want to cover it anyway. You would have to cut the screen top so that it allows your tube into the tank (it is important to cut a hole just big enough for the tube to fit snugly into the screen). You will want to silicone the edges (Both top and bottom) so that no screen is exposed and the gap between the tube and the screen is completely sealed. Make sure before doing so you have the tubing where you want it and hooked up. Once you silicone it in. You do not want to have to move it. It is best if you can find an external filter with a quick connect for both the intake and output tubes... when doing maintenance you dont want to have to take the tubes out.
Thank you
Thomas
Curator of Dart Frogs
Where did you buy the artificial rocks?? I'm trying to replicate this but I don't have time to make my own rocks and I can't find anything on your site or others. :0 thanks
My only concern is that if the pump goes out how would you change it? Other than that I love the set-up. I am wanting to do a waterfall also its just I'm afraid that if I do this method in not sure on how to change the pimp.
XD the pimp
i bet this tank looks amazing now if its still together
magicmaster890 It does look pretty cool!
Josh's Frogs Do you think you'll ever post an update video showing how it turned out?
Would this set up be okay for a Vietnamese Mossy Frog? Or can you point me in the direction of some videos you have? Thanks!
Something like this (just a bit bigger) would be great! We're working on an updated waterfall video for a larger tank that should be posted in the next month or so.
I heard that you didn't need the silicone on top of the spray foam. If the spray foam is still wet?
How do you keep the water from flooding the land? I am getting ready to start my dart frog vivarium, I'm goin to do this method but not sure how I'm supposed to customize the water flow. Do I let it flow freely or do I form some type of small stream to end at a small puddle?
You'll want the waterfall to spill into a pond, where it will then go straight into your false bottom layer.
Do you have any tutorials like this for dart frogs?
remember me Austin? i'm the kid who caught the northern map turtle at the campout
Been reading about which silicone is Viv safe. Is GE I and GE II both safe for darts?
+HardtailNomad We do not recommend either, and use aquarium safe silicone.
I'm trying to find that GEO Systems planting rock on their site, but I can't. I have most everything else to build this! Help!
Do you need to feed the plants?
Where can I get the plant rock? I am looking for a waterfall system. ANY suggestions? Thanks.
Hey Kathleen!
Here is the link to some of our products.
Check out the website
www.joshsfrogs.com/instantsearchplus/result/?q=waterfall%20system
Is this terrarium good for dart frogs? If it is how mach can i put in there?
Mattis the Reptile It's great for more aquatic frogs, like reed frogs or Theloderma, but not appropriate for dart frogs.
What is a good suggestion for an alternative rock or object to use for the planter rock? I like that separation between the pump/substrate and the sand
+catafoy1 There currently is not a great option. Universal Rocks (available on the site) can be used to make a barrier.
Josh's Frogs What kind of dart frogs can be put in this kind of environment where the bottom is 50% water and 50% false bottom with live plants?
+catafoy1 We would not recommend any dart frogs for this type of setup. It is much better suited for reed frogs or Theloderma species.
Josh's Frogs Thank you for the advice. So a water feature is not recommended for dart frog enclosures? What is a good beginner thumbnail dart frog?
+catafoy1 Ranitomeya imitator or Ranitomeya ventrimaculata are good choices.
How do you change the water to clean it? Or do you need to change the water?
You should perform partial water changes once a week for most species.
Is it ok to use real rock as a back ground as long as its not sharp, or are there types of rock that are not good (that might taint the water) ? Thanks in advance
Tron TwoProgram You'll have to see if the rock will affect water chemistry when wet. Keep in mind that heavy rocks may be difficult to secure in place.
+Tron TwoProgram I know this is an old question, but I've always been taught to drip a few drops of vinegar on rock and see if they foam. If they *do* foam, they're going to affect your water and probably shouldn't be used (has lime). Most rock is pretty inert and not harmful.
Can you post where a person can purchase the rocks that you used for the background?
Joshua Hall They are currently discontinued, and we're working on sourcing more!
So what do you do when the pump needs to be cleaned or burns out? I imagine having to tear down a well established tank to get access to the pump must suck.
ajr4888 You dig it out, or devise a prefilter to keep it clean. I like to enclose the pump in a margarine container, poked full of holes, with filter pad shoved in it.
Josh's Frogs
What kind of filter pad do u recommend? I'm starting my first build tomorrow!
Do you like this method over the fake rock background with false bottom setup?
This method seems to produce a more natural eco system.
Either way works - we're just aiming to replicate different habitats.
could u give me the list of items u used to do this old thx and love the video
Many of these items are no longer produced. Check out our newer waterfall video - it works with our Vivarium Waterfall Background Construction Kits, available on our website.
So the substrate/rocks do not impact the flow of water to the pump?
fosul Correct.
so as a general rule, is it ok for the water to drain right into the false bottom when making a waterfall in a viv for darts?
joe leder Sure is! Just make sure it doesn't flood the abg mix or moss.
awesome! that was one of the biggest "i dunno what to do" moments for me making my first two tanks. I think i will try my luck at making one next time around.
Can u ship to india
Great idea. I'm just curious if the pump breaks, then you have to tear everything apart. Correct?
+Joseph Pomaville You can, or just not foam the cord in when you're making the background. I sometimes run the cord through pvc pip that's foamed into the background, so I can remove it if I need to.
Josh's Frogs can I use rocks I find at my beach? We have some pretty good shaped rocks and stones that could be used, i live right on chalky cliffs so would that be a problem if maybe a rock was chalk
Reggie Norman I wouldn't recommend it as there may be pathogens or micro organisms that may harm your tank inhabitants. However I've heard you can set it to bake in an oven to kill any microorganisms present and then/or perform a diluted bleach soaking for the same purpose but to penetrate the surface better to be safe. Then rinse with clean water and you should be fine. Also make sure it isn't a type of rock that can harm your animals with its chemistry regardless of how clean it is. Ex: limestone is harmful and can alter pH for amphibians.
Can I do this for my Crescent Gecko? Or any kind of gecko?
nice job! I would imagine if the material used are safe for amphibians, it would be safe to construct something similar for chameleons as well ?
Thanks !
It'll be fine - I'd just be careful so your chameleon can easily get out of the water if it falls in!
Should we ever worry about bacteria populating in the foam ? or are we making such an environment that theres constant breakdown of wastes and by-products by the ecosystem that its only a real concern if we let faces sit and soil the enclosure?
Thank you for your input.
He looks like mcloveing from super bad
Does the foam come off? Like if I make a foam background, can it come off?
+Alex Green It'll stick to clean glass pretty well.
Im pretty sure that they make brown/grey foam spray :3
Does this company ship to Canada?
A item list with sku numbers for joshsfrogs would help tremendously, I bet you would make alot more sales also.
Eric Covert Many products come in and out of availability from suppliers (for instance, we're sourcing a new supplier for fake rock right now).
Is this bio active, if it's not how would you clean this???
This waterfall setup is for use in bioactive vivaria.
how much would you estimate a larger one would cost.
There are a lot of variables involved in calculating cost. Check out the kits on our website - those should help!
g&e silicone 2 is no longer safe for aquariums do to their adding mildewcides please correct me if im wrong
Gregory Huff They did not add anything to the silicone - just changed the label. We have used it for years without issue, but do sell 100% safe aquarium silicone on the Josh's Frogs website.
thank you I read it on a blog and some people aren't always rightI did some more research and its fine thank you
thank you I read it on a blog and some people aren't always rightI did some more research and its fine thank you
is it safe to use pump without filter? thanks
pablo veloso Yes, just keep in mind that your pump may become clogged and need to be removed for cleaning.
I'm looking for that planting rock on your site but I don't see it.
Unfortunately, it's discontinued!
Ok, thanks!
so you dont silicone the back before using great stuff?
Many people do, but as long as the glass is clean it's not necessary.
Was the rock you used for the background fake? Do you carry it?
Hi Bob,
That particular product was discontinued. If you look at our latest waterfall video, we use Universal Rocks products, which we carry.
Can you provide links to all items on your site. I am trying to find planter separator. .
Cory Haessler Unfortunately, that item has been discontinued by Hagen. A well placed piece of cork bark should do the job nicely.
Awesome. Thanks for the response!
How do the plants on the wall get water?
+Casey Nelson They're misted daily.
Doesn't look like you used aquarium silicone, you specifically say "GE window and door silicone" so is it safe?
Casey George I've personally used GE Silicone II Window and Door for years, but they recently changed the formula. Because of this, we now use aquarium grade silicone.
Hello, could this set up be good for a green tree frog? Apologise if you you have already answered this question.
This setup has a bit too much water for that species.
Could a green tree tank have a waterfall feature, provided its small or just a little pond? Or not at all.
Absolutely! Just make sure there's an easy way for the tree frog to easily get out of the water.
What foam and silicon did you use?
JM52484 Great stuff spray foam (red can, available on our website), and aquarium silicone (also available from our website).
Can you put a water spider in it
It looks like a good enclosure for it but substrate will be cocoa fiber and i will add water plants and plants you used
+Erickson Neithann Ruaro I'm unfamiliar with water spiders, so I can't comment.
What Kind of silicone did you use in this video?
100% Aquarium safe silicone - we carry it on the site!
Can you add a chameleon in this enclosure?
Whew I’m glad I didn’t follow these instructions! I’ve had to replace that pos pump three times this year
How would you clean the water?
TheLocust You'd siphon it out with a tube or gravel vac.
hiii Austin:)
Where can you find those fake rocks?
dee24601 Gr Those were pieces of broken aquarium decorations. Hagen Marina offers similar pieces.
Would love to know where I could find some of those fake rocks.
Jordyn Rypstra From us, soon :D
how i find
the planting Rock? Is that exxo brand ?
utsuriman It has now been discontinued. We're working on finding a replacement.
U know any other pump that has more lift height ? but are small... ?=)
Daniel Forsberg We do not. I'd check with your local water garden supply center. Some of the fountain pumps may be an option for you.
Daniel Forsberg Eheim Compact. Good height, fewer liters/hr compared to other pumps. Replaceable internals and reliable. :-)
Ty :)
Do you have any vids or ideas on doing this on a larger scale for say Iguanas
Michael Mullins Basically the same, just upsize everything! Pay careful attention to the head height of the pump.
Where can I find those rocks
can you show the tank with frogs?
+PJ yegorov This tank was sold long ago, sorry!
What is the name of the fake rock on Josh's frogs and the planting rock
Unfortunately, that is discontinued now! We recommend universal rocks, which are available on the website.
Will it be good for red eyed tree frogs???
Red Eyed tree frogs would require a larger enclosure that's less wet.
lol,was sol man da sagen,sieht super aus,oder.gelernt ist gelernt
What kind of pump was used here?
Rated M This is an Elemental water pump, sold on our site.
Thank you!
cant remove pumb thats terrible idea if it fucks up cant replace unless pull setup apart
side of the tank?
juan alvarez You can cover it with black contact paper to hide the background, if you'd like.
U guys use the pond waterfall foam? Ever? Ever had probs Vs the GS cream colored stuff? Thinkin save steps tryin to hide the cream color GS? NO?
utsuriman We have. No problems, but you'd still want to cover it with silicone.
Austin looks like MC LOVIN 😂😭😂😭
And the first star is: Austin !
:)
@@JoshsFrogs seriously I'm starting a similar project and you helped me to plan my work. Thank you guys and great vid!
Awesome! Good luck!!
Where can I find these fake rocks?
+William Perry Those are no longer made, but Josh's Frogs does carry Universal Rocks!
lets be real. who doesn't want alittle extra tubing.
Im looking to get some of that fake plant Rock/s.
utsuriman We're working on finding a new source, as the old type are discontinued.
Can you make me one I'll pay you?
Clayton Hooper Currently, we do not do consignments on vivarium building.
is it just me, or do those plants look fake?
It's just you ;)
Hey Fiberworks, those plants are fake. He was just using them for making this video. A lot easier to deal with and cheaper for him.
Teddy King the plants aren't fake :/
..." ...once you install it the way we're going to show you, you will NOT be able to remove it..." So it's a life time pump? silly, too silly