Freshwater Shrimp Paludarium Build

Hey Guys. I'm no stranger to planted aquariums but I decided to give a go at a paludarium this time! Here are a few pics of the process as well as the setup as it is today.



This is the basic layout I was going for. I made a frame out of light diffuser and zip tied it together. After it was done I wrapped it in a gardening weed mat




After the frame was done I bought some black lava rock and set the frame and fascia in place. This was done with black expanding foam between the rocks and behind the frame






This was a test trial I did to see how sand looked as a substrate. I used play sand and wasn't crazy about it so I swapped it out. If I used a whiter sand like a pool filter sand it may have looked a little better.



Finally decided to go with ada aqua soil. First time ever using it. I've always used organic potting soil, red clay, and sand as a plant substrate




Here it is with the aquatic plants and the terrestrial substrate in place. I used this stuff called Josh's frogs atlantic botanical garden mx.


This was a few weeks after setting up. The plants were still growing and I was pumping co2 in temporarily to try and get the baby tears to start bedding faster.


apx a month and a half after setup




Present setup. Everything is growing great








I will make another post with the plant/fish stocking and how it's filtered along with some more pics

 

Here is a video walkthrough I made explaining in more detail how I did it

 

Nice! It reminds me of the woods in spring.

 

Fantastic! I am beginning a really similar build soon. Thanks for the inspiration!

 

That's really beautiful.

 

Very inspirational to anyone looking to do this, Beautiful

 

Great set up and great video. The thing that really does it for me is the way the water is pouring down the right side. How did you stop any erosion or is the right side entirely rocks and no soil. Great job!!