An Open Canvas

Starting to put contents into a microhabitat build can be a daunting thought, but it is an opportunity to let your creative juices flow into a range of possibilities.

Let's point you in the right direction!

1. Think '-ariums'

   
   

   Terrarium (land and plants), Vivariums (land only), Paludariums (land and water) or Riparium (stream edges). Different builds are suitable for each style. Which one does your forever-friend benefit most from?

Tropical Terrarium

2. Plan It Out

   
   

   Draw a sketch of your final product or sketch it in stages for a more detailed approach. Procreate, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are design software that can be used online for a more realistic approach.

Blueprints On Desk

3. Gather Materials And Tools

   
   

   Retailers, such as Amazon or the Shop application, can provide all you need to start your construction. Depending on your chosen '-arium', it can involve a lot of DIY to form your final vision but you will find everything on said applications.

Building Materials

4. Simple Order Of Operations And Checklist

   
   

   4.0 Build your enclosure if necessary

   4.1 Drill holes for heat bulbs, ventilation, drainage or misting system if required

   4.2 Build or attach your background(s)

   4.3 Drainage layer

   4.4 Lay substrate

   4.5 Add your decorations (logs/branches/hides/vines etc.)

   4.6 Live or plastic plants

   4.7 Add moss

   4.8 Add clean up crew and a small food source for them

   4.9 Stand back and observe

   4.9.1 Make any necessary changes to design including adding more plants or moss

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The above should get you started on making a unique habitat for your chosen herpetile friend. Don't be downhearted by any mistakes made in the build-up as most can be fixed at the end! Also, don't be afraid to think big as most designs can be done with careful planning.

Learn From Failure