There is definitely something special about a large terrarium that is also a vivarium. It covers a lot of different things from the care of plants to the care of small animals or reptiles. And you are truly creating a miniature eco-system. And you can have a lot of fun with it by adding all kinds of little details like a waterfall or miniature pond. And this is exactly what James has done in his vivarium. It is a 55 gallon glass tank and it houses six Red Eyed tree Frogs (Which are so adorable!) Anyway, my thanks to James for submitting the terrific pictures of his project.

This is a project that takes some planning and some work but it can be very rewarding. If you have an old aquarium tank lying around not being used you might want to give a try at turning it into a terrarium/vivarium or just a terrarium. I do have tutorials on how to do a larger project like this.

Adding a water pump to your terrarium - Make a glass terrarium: tips - Pictures of big Glass Terrariums - The Big Terrarium Tutorial

A note from Will: Considering a pet terrarium? I have some tips and guidelines for making it and choosing which pet will go in it: Pet Terrariums

Terrarium and Cage Construction and Care

Reptile and amphibian owners add a new dime nsion to their hobby when they design and build terraria that simulate the natural h abitats of their companion animals. This book gives directions for a variety of terr arium options. You can build enclosures in spare rooms, glass tanks, greenhouses, ou tdoor pools, or virtually any other available space. With this book's help, you can also transform your terrarium into a scaled-down replica of desert, rain forest, sem iaquatic, or woodland environment.

You'll find basic carpentry instructions, along with advice on using screening material, glass panels, rocks, logs, and plants that fit into the newly created environment. If you own snakes, lizards, frogs, gec kos, turtles, or other animals suitable for terraria, you'll find a design in these pages to fit your needs.

Premium Kit for Small Terrarium (Succulent, Cactus, and Fairy Garden)

Perfect kit for a first time terrarium gardener or to give as a gift. Provides the exact amount of the specific "ingredients" necessary to build a thriving small terrarium. Will work for closed terrariums, open terrariums, fairy gardens, as well as with succulents and cactii. Kit includes terrarium potting soil, activated charcoal, two different sizes of semi-polished river rocks, shag moss, and complete but easy to follow step-by-step instructions. The ingredients supplied are in the following approximate amounts: 9 oz. soil; 8 oz. small river rocks; 8 oz. larger river rocks; 1 oz. activated charcoal; 1 oz. sheet moss. Great for anyone wanting to set up a terrarium without having to go and find all the different pieces separately. Please note that the kit does NOT include a container or plants. Please also note that this kit is for a SMALL terrarium. We recommend using a mason jar if you are making a closed terrarium or a container with a 4 - 6" diameter if you are making a succulent or cactus terrarium.