In This Post

Learn exactly how I made the Crown Forest terrarium, from start to finish!

This is the ultimate, detailed terrarium tutorial! Learn how to make a professional, artistic, and natural looking terrarium. In addition to gaining a greater understanding of how my builds come together, you’ll learn new techniques, tips and tricks, design theory, and get insights into my thought processes.

Part 1

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In part 1 of this build log series, I’ll go over the concept and prototyping phase, and then we’ll begin construction of the wood stump

  • 00:00 – Intro
  • 00:35 – Typical phases of a build
  • 01:10 – Conceptualization phase begins
  • 01:57 – Tips for creating combo hardscapes
  • 03:30 – Hardscape thought process and examples (test fitting in tank)
  • 04:25 – Further concept development
  • 04:53 – Construction of the custom wood stump

Project Shopping List (Some of the products, tools, and supplies used in this project)

Part 2

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In part 2, I’ll go over creating the foundation and constructing the majority of the final hardscape.

  • 00:00 – Start
  • 00:34 – Phase 3
  • 02:52 – Benefits of foundations
  • 05:30 – Tips for using expanding foam (Part 1)
  • 07:30 – Design theory / Scape layout insights
  • 09:36 – Tips for using expanding foam (Part 2)
  • 12:00 – Photoshop conceptual prototype
  • 12:30 – Substrate divider

Project Shopping List (Some of the products, tools, and supplies used in this project)

Part 3

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In part 3, I’ll go over substrate, rootscape, complementary details, and my special mold cycling method.

  • 00:00 – Start
  • 00:32 – Substrate
  • 03:11 – Root-scaping
  • 06:20 – Design theory
  • 09:30 – Complementary details
  • 10:23 – Another World Terraria Mold Cycle Method

Project Shopping List (Some of the products, tools, and supplies used in this project)

Part 4

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In part 4, I’ll go over planting the tank, and making adjustments to the layout and plants over time.

  • 00:00 – Start
  • 00:28 – Planting
  • 06:19 – Adjustments

Plant List

  • Microgramma heterophylla
  • Adiantum ciliatum
  • Reldia minutiflora
  • Misc Moss & Liverworts (Fissidens, Riccardia, etc)

Project Shopping List (Some of the products, tools, and supplies used in this project)

Products & Supplies

Below are links to some of the products and supplies used in this project.

60 second epoxy
https://amzn.to/3hkCQSo

5 minute epoxy
https://amzn.to/3hbgjqQ

Putty epoxy
https://amzn.to/2KK76d3

Gorilla glue clear grip
https://amzn.to/2WFih9E

Peat moss
https://amzn.to/37KK5zU

Brushes
https://amzn.to/3aB7OEk

Safety goggles
https://amzn.to/3piOtfj

Blower brush
https://amzn.to/38vjXrJ

Slik or other small tripod
https://amzn.to/3aAxL75

Arca plate
https://amzn.to/3mNwiN4

Arca clamps
https://amzn.to/2KyGoEp

Magic arms
https://amzn.to/3aDLRVk

Mini ballheads
https://amzn.to/3hjM7dh

Mini clamps
https://amzn.to/3nF6WCi

SmallRig Ballhead Arm Clamp
(attach 3rd magic arm to tripod leg, also to phone clamps, etc)
https://amzn.to/2KLfZmG

Eggcrate Lighting Grid
https://amzn.to/3hywqiq

Side Cutter Pliers
https://amzn.to/3b2cfs2

Painter’s Tape
https://amzn.to/3aZaN9V

GE Type 1 Silicone
https://amzn.to/351N6d0

Caulking Gun
https://amzn.to/3hDGNSm

Cheap Brushes
https://amzn.to/2LfY5sh

Zip Ties
https://amzn.to/3n2KDFH

Touch n Foam Landscape Foam
https://amzn.to/38XmQSB

Tape Measure
https://amzn.to/2X9cppb

Horticultural charcoal
https://amzn.to/2XGBU1r

Seachem Fluorite
https://amzn.to/2Lw4D6O

Red Clay
https://amzn.to/2LwPEJN

Sand
https://amzn.to/3qnew5k
https://amzn.to/2XFAKn6

Large Plastic Mixing Bowl
https://amzn.to/3bEoP0M

Dragon stone
https://amzn.to/3bC8nhN

Floral Wire
https://amzn.to/39kPjCV

NICREW Classic LED Light
https://amzn.to/3F6csqT

Digital Timer
https://amzn.to/3pmqBYI

Sphagnum Moss
https://amzn.to/3oom72r

Large / Long Tweezers
https://amzn.to/2KQhccG

Small Sharp Tweezers
https://amzn.to/2YlJNd0

Osmocote Plus Fertilizer
https://amzn.to/2KWmP9s

Seed Dome for Growing Plants
https://amzn.to/2KSOmIR

Pump Sprayer
https://amzn.to/3potatg

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