Best products from r/terrariums

We found 23 comments on r/terrariums discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 60 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.

Top comments mentioning products on r/terrariums:

u/ponyimapony · 9 pointsr/terrariums

It would certainly be easier to answer "What did you already know" before you started this. Nothing.

This list will inevitably be incomplete but here goes:

  • How to fiberglass - also, fiberglass is nasty.
  • How to use a router properly
  • How to solder (for the lights)
  • How to clean silicone off of every surface known to man (Vinegar and razor blades)
  • The cheap white insulation foam at Home Depot sucks to carve. Get the pink stuff.
  • When carving foam rocks, don't sweat the details because the concrete is going to completely cover them up anyway.
  • Sanded grout/concrete (I think I actually used concrete), you basically need a splash of water per 2 cups of concrete - and sanded looks way more like real rock than unsanded
  • You really only need 2 colors of paint to make realistic rocks (black and white). Nature will add the rest of the colors once you introduce plants.
  • Cut notches in any PVC supports to prevent stagnant water in your pipe.
  • What vivarium makers call egg crate is really the plastic lattice you find under commercial florescent lights.
  • Egg crate is pretty darn studry and can hold a lot of weight when properly supported (used it under the planted sides).
  • Use organic (non-fertilized) garden soil for the planted part of a vivarium. Actually, you might not need soil at all if you have fish since you basically end up with a closed circuit hydroponic system.
  • Expanding foam is impossible to completely scrub off without taking some skin with it. Wear rubber gloves.
  • Like the rocks, don't sweat the details with expanding foam if you plant to cover it (like I did with Hygrolon). I included a ton of texture that is completely obscured by the moss (but hey, the moss still looks great).
  • Tape plexiglass before you cut it. It makes for a much cleaner (and safer) cut.
  • Sheet moss can be pinned to your background with bamboo skewers and it works pretty darn well. The moss will take at least a few weeks to really attach to the background.
  • You should really have your entire land area planted before introducing fish. The run-off from lots of new material can cause a few fish deaths. :(
  • A powerhead doubles as a vacuum, reducing tank maintenance. Just scrape off the powerhead grate every few days.
  • You don't really have to dechlorinate your water before doing a large water change (30 gallons in my case is not unusual). Before adding new water, dose your tank with prime for the entire tank volume.
  • Purigen is pure magic. ..but don't count on being able to regenerate it, even if you've never used any of the fouling chemicals it lists.
  • If you have a manifold, keep it over a bucket...just in case.
  • Plants release CO2 at night (weird, right), so you might find your fish at the surface gasping for air. Add an airstone. Don't ask me how to properly weight down an air hose though, still working that bit out.
  • There are ultrasonic foggers meant for ponds that work great in vivariums! They make the most fog when submerged but still fairly close to the surface. Make sure animals can't come in contact with the fogger itself though...they hurt pretty bad when you touch them.
  • Plants will grow just fine under LEDs with the right spectrum.
  • A fan at the top of your window and a small gap at the bottom will help prevent your window from fogging since dry air will be drawn across the glass.
  • Snails are AMAZING algea eaters and their population naturally stays in balance with the available food supply. You don't need to order gobs of them, they reproduce very quickly on their own. And don't sweat it if you don't see them for a few weeks after adding them to your tank. Trust that they are doing good work.
  • Little white worms in your substrate mean you are likely overfeeding.
  • Pushing water vertically 8 feet is hard, yet my canister filter managed it pretty ok. I added an inline pump anyway, but if you have a smaller setup, a simple manifold on your filter output should probably be fine to split the water return to different areas.
  • Finding aquarium manifolds with barbs is hard. Jeez, it shouldn't be so hard. Might be better to piece one together at the hardware store than spending a ton of time finding one online.
  • Prepping found wood for a vivarium is a lot of work, but waaay cheaper than buying it. Just soak it in salt water for a few days, switch to fresh water and do water changes daily. If you're paranoid like me, boil it for a few hours and then leave it in your oven at 200 degrees for as long as it takes to dry.
  • Large water changes are way easier with the Python: http://www.amazon.com/25-Foot-Python-Aquarium-Maintenance/dp/B000255NXC

    And probably another 1000 things.
u/escout09 · 2 pointsr/terrariums

Hey man! Go for it! Spring tails are little bugs that take care of all the dirty work involved in ridding your vivarium of decaying matter. I had the misfortune of loosing a frog while on vacation and when I returned they had reduced him to nothing by but a few bones. Little decomposers like springtails are often referred to as micro fauna and are essential. Here's a link to NEHERP's micro fauna store. I buy everything I can from NEHERP because frankly they're the best in the business when it comes to vivariums.
As for the water, yes the water free flows through the entirety of the bottom of the tank. Hydro balls just the Zoomed brand of hydroponic balls and they're dirt cheap.
I don't have a parts list on hand but I guess I should make one eh?
I can say that this light has been the best light I've ever used. And for an HO (high output) 4 tube grow light it's also dirt cheap. I simply spray painted mine matte black.
As far as pumps FLUVAL, FLUVAL, FLUVAL all the way. You just can't beat their canister filters. And you can load anything you want in them making water treatment super easy.
I'm happy to answer questions so if ya have any more feel free to ask. And if any of you out there want more answers feel free to comment. And maybe give an upvote so others can find it too.

u/PixelMatrixMan · 1 pointr/terrariums
Hmm. Any specific terrariums you want an estimate on or the entire thing?
Edit: Nevermind. I'll just give you a rundown of what I bought. Don't be scared off by the price, just start small. I recommend the Super Mix Moss from Appalachian Emporium to start you off, some cheap pot soil at home depot, mesh for the filter, pebbles/driftwood from outside and glassware at a thriftshop or wherever. Though I think getting springtails might be a must to keep the habitat clean from mold and such. Overall, it should cost you no more than $30-40 depending on what you get. I just happened to go overboard these past two months :)

Price|Amazon Link|
--|:--|
$16.86|Appalachian Emporium's Super Mix Live Fresh Moss for Terrariums, Vivariums, Bath Mats, Garden, Flower Pots|
$2.99|Marineland Black Diamond Media Premium Activated Carbon|
$23.09|Terrarium & Fairy Garden Plants - 8 Plants in 2.5 (Is Approximately 4 to 6 Inches Height of the Plant)|
$17.98|Temperate Springtail (Collembola) Culture (32 oz)|
$8.95|Luffy Coco Mini Moss - Builds a Beautiful and Natural Aquascape: Easy Care, Hardy and Long Lasting Plant: Filters and Provides Aquariums with Oxygen|
$12.54|Green Creeping Fig 2 Plants - Ficus -2" Pot - Houseplant/Terrarium/Fairy Garden|
$13.68|Anubias Nana Petite On Driftwood - Freshwater Live Aquarium Plants by Aquarium Plants Factory|
~$4 (use coupons!)|Glass bulbs (2) @ Michaels|
~$5|Glass Jar @ TJ-Maxx|
~$3|Glass Cork @ Michaels|
~$5|Other glass bottle w/ cap|
~$7| Big Mason Jar|
Free|Driftwood, rocks, etc|
$1.99|Pack of Tweezers|
~$10 w coupons|4 Pebbles & Fine "grain" rocks @ Michaels|
~$9.99|Exo-Terra Plantation Soil @ Petco|
~$5| Nature-Care Organic and Natural Pot Soil @ Home Depot|
$7.25| Screen-door Mesh for filter|
$3.99 w coupons|Twine @ Michaels|
Overall Price| ~ $158.31|
u/jonowelser · 1 pointr/terrariums

That's a pretty neat.

Do you currently have a terrarium, and if so, how much light does it get? My only concern is that type of grass probably likes full sun, so it may need to be by a bright window and/or supplemental lighting to be happy. This can easily roast plants however (especially in smaller closed containers), so make sure it is ventilated or doesn't get too hot.


If you want to know specifically how to set up a terrarium, its pretty easy.

  1. In the bottom of a clean tank or container, put an inch or two of small stones/pebbles/coarse gravel for drainage.

  2. Put a layer of horticultural charcoal on next to help with odors and mold.

  3. Add a layer of potting soil (you cant go wrong with the miracle-gro stuff) and put your sod and any other plants in. If your sod is root bound at all, massage it a little to gently pull the roots apart before planting it. Make sure you regularly water your newly transplanted plants, but don't over-water or let too much water build up in the tank.

    You don't need any fertilizer, and I like using a dose of Superthrive if it looks like my plants are struggling.

    You could also grow the sod in a container within a larger terrarium if you only have a little bit. If you want a baseball theme, you have plenty of creative options (like using a cubs helmet as a container, etc.).
u/ThePuppyPrincess · 4 pointsr/terrariums

I got these 1 gallon glass jars from Amazon for fermentation but you could totally use them for a terrarium. 4 for $30 seemed like a pretty good price to me. That is, if you think you could use 4 of them. The lids are plastic so they won't be as pretty as a glass top, though.

Paksh Novelty 1-Gallon Glass Jar Wide Mouth with Airtight Plastic Lid - USDA Approved BPA-Free Dishwasher Safe Mason Jar for Fermenting, Kombucha, Kefir, Storing and Canning Uses, Clear (4 Pack)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DWR75W8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_EPQ0AbVXS1GVD

u/iamiq · 6 pointsr/terrariums

open container like a fish bowl or a dish?



Moss: Useful for ground cover and if you are going for a woodland look, definitely add moss such as


  1. Leucobryum (cushion moss),
  2. Sagina subulata (Irish moss),
  3. I've also heard of Kyoto moss but no idea about that.

    Alternatively, you can use


  4. Soleirolia soleirolii (Baby's tears), or
  5. Hemianthus callitrichoides (Dwarf baby's tears)

    These provide good ground cover with more texture and faster spread (about 30 cm in 30 days with the right conditions)

    Where to get them? Ebay, Amazon etc.



    Ferns: Also great additions!


  6. Arachnoides simplicior (Spider fern),
  7. Pellaea rotundifolia (Button fern), and my favourite ...
  8. Asparagus setaceus 'Nanus' fern

    Colour: Some people prefer to add some colour using plants like:


  9. Hypoestes phyllostachya (Polka dot plant) or
  10. any type of Begonia


    edit: formatting


    edit: sequel: links added where possible
u/Anthaneezy · 1 pointr/terrariums

I bought my moss from Amazon. I was worried about the Arizona heat during shipping, but it came quick and very green and lush.

Lowe's doesn't know terrariums. What they are good for is the dried Sphagnum Moss, rocks, and other accoutrement you'll need for making a terrarium.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PXXVCQ/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is the seller I used. The thing I was really stoked about is that they don't use pesticides. So in my terrarium, I actually have live bugs and at least 2 earth worms in mine. Also, there is some kind of plant growing in my moss. Must've been some seed that dropped on it, but it's really awesome that I got it for "free".

http://i.imgur.com/dN1Ardx.jpg

This is when it first sprouted, but it's huge now. I'll get a picture later if anyone wants it. I'd also like to know what the heck it is.

u/JayHarmon · 1 pointr/terrariums

The moisture seems to do alright spreading without the fan. I don't think you would necessarily need it. I use it to increase air flow in order to prevent algae from taking over the tops of the soil on my plants in there and possible mold.

You might want to ask more about lighting from r/mosses since they're better equipped to discuss moss needs than I am. I know that my moss has been fine with this (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07LG39B3M?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) placed about 10 inches from the moss and turned on for 10 hours a day. But, I have no clue if that's optimal, I just know it works for me.

u/simnw · 1 pointr/terrariums

I bought them at a local store here in Belgium, but these look exactly the same:

LXS Battery Operated Fairy Lights 10 Sets of 2M /20 LED,Amazingly Bright - Ultra-Thin Flexible Easy to Wrap Silver Wire for Halloween Christmas Wedding Party,Fairy Light Effect(10PCS-Warm White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H0DT6I6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_V0M6Bb229P1PG

u/drturvy · 1 pointr/terrariums

Hey thank you! You're exactly right-- I chose Sylvania Light Flutes because they were easy to install and pretty cheap. Our area is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to terrarium fodder, so good luck out there!

u/starlightbotanist · 11 pointsr/terrariums

I use one of these

https://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-2407-1000-Wide-Mouth-Bottle-1000mL/dp/B00RZQ8PWC/

with the tip cut off and a bit of irrigation hose attached. This allows me great control when watering small plants or succulents. It also works great for terreriums that have plants you don't want to get the leaves wet.

https://i.imgur.com/aW31bUP.jpg

Thought someone might find this useful! Happy growing.

u/lostaccountby2fa · 1 pointr/terrariums

Got the glass vase from Ross. The lid was from a scented candle that happen to fit the vase perfectly. The light is from Amazon. It’s rechargeable via usb.

Dimmable Touch Light | WILLED Buit-in 1000mAh Large Battery Rechargeable LED Tap Lights | Magnet Stick on Closet Light | Portable LED Puck Night Lights for Cabinet, Wardrobe, Counter, Kitchen, Bedroom https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PVYDMKF/

u/Cannabis_Pete · 1 pointr/terrariums

I started breeding a culture. I bought them from Josh's frogs (via Amazon) for 20 bucks.