In This Post
Learn exactly how I made the Brancharium terrarium, from start to finish!
Step by step behind the scenes of how I made my popular Brancharium (Branch Terrarium). All secrets and methods revealed, tons of tips and tricks, and value from beginning to end. Learn how to make your own professional, artistic, natural looking branch terrarium, and more.
Video Chapter Timecodes
Note: These are not clickable. You need to manually navigate to these points in the video above.
- 00:25 – The concept
- 00:46 – The tank
- 01:18 – The wood
- 01:48 – Mockup and visualization
- 02:33 – Structure and framework
- 03:29 – Mounting concept
- 04:16 – Mounting pegs
- 04:59 – The bark exterior
- 05:50 – The branch core
- 08:43 – Attaching the bark
- 09:46 – The fabric substrate
- 10:21 – Glue clean up
- 10:44 – Concealing gaps
- 11:00 – Attaching the fabric
- 12:22 – Hiding imperfections
- 12:49 – Mounting the branch
- 13:43 – Mold Cycle Method
- 15:03 – Planting the branch
- 18:13 – Bottom substrate
Products & Supplies
These are some of the products I used in the creation of this terrarium.
Cork bark
https://amzn.to/3HYyRsf
Painter’s tape
https://amzn.to/3Keo2oy
Tape measure
https://amzn.to/3HYz3aX
PVC shears
https://amzn.to/3ImXoIX
Sharpie markers
https://amzn.to/3RWFBeM
Work gloves (Amazon Search)
https://amzn.to/3lDn4s4
Dremel tool
https://amzn.to/416I4aX
Glass cutting tool kit
https://amzn.to/3YLzDzF
Metal ruler
https://amzn.to/3lAZ3Sj
Aquarium silicone
https://amzn.to/3HVgPqZ
Clamps
https://amzn.to/3XtlaY6
Sanding block
https://amzn.to/3XomKdK
Sandpaper
https://amzn.to/3lyoR1r
Plastic triangle square
https://amzn.to/3xjywvh
Wood handsaw
https://amzn.to/3K0LE02
Pocket knife (Amazon Search)
https://amzn.to/3RWUhdP
Bread knife
https://amzn.to/3K4sK8s
Touch ‘n Foam Landscape Spray foam
https://amzn.to/3RU4uId
Isopropyl alcohol
https://amzn.to/3E9NdVB
Rubber bands
https://amzn.to/40RwVuh
Zip ties
https://amzn.to/3lAPS4p
Spray bottle
https://amzn.to/3lAPHWN
Gorilla Glue – Clear Grip
https://amzn.to/3lBbGgg
Super glue
https://amzn.to/3YvUWFD
Peat moss
https://amzn.to/3Ikpe8O
Nitrile gloves
https://amzn.to/3IoxqVE
Safety glasses
https://amzn.to/3E5pUMH
Respirator
https://amzn.to/3xm8zve
Micro shears
https://amzn.to/3E25LHi
Side cutter pliers
https://amzn.to/416GJkr
Thread
https://amzn.to/3xnhJHI
Tweezers
https://amzn.to/3Ikf9Zk
Silicone brush
https://amzn.to/3E7Q15z
Gorilla Glue – original
https://amzn.to/3YscJgR
Needle nose pliers
https://amzn.to/3K6abkh
NICREW LED light
https://amzn.to/3XvzCPt
Digital timers
https://amzn.to/3K6RNIa
Dust brush and pan
https://amzn.to/3HZVMDr
Sphagnum moss
https://amzn.to/3RYI2NR
Pump sprayer
https://amzn.to/3jWlOQ9
Grow More Urea-free fertilizer
https://amzn.to/3YMLFIX
SeaChem Onyx
https://amzn.to/3RZhnQZ
Aquarium scaping tool set
https://amzn.to/40OkFuJ
AquaTop bookshelf tanks
https://www.aquatop.com/high-clarity-and-bookshelf-aquariums.html
Quick Summary
Brancharium Info and Construction
- Cloud forest tree branch terrarium in an AquaTop 12 gal. bookshelf aquarium (~36″ long)
- PVC pipe covered with polyurethane spray foam, and cork bark glued onto that
- Hygrolon or similar fabric glued across top of branch as plant substrate and moisture holder
- Branch has a slot on left and right sides which slide over glass mounting pegs inside the tank
- Branch goes through AWT Mold Cycle Method (sits in humid tank several weeks with isopods and springtails)
- Plant the branch as desired, then wrap with synthetic thread to hold plants and moss on until they root
- Cover tank with a lid to keep humid and add desired lighting system
You might also be interested in
