How to Make a Vivarium From a Fish Tank

While the term "vivarium" technically refers to any enclosure containing plant or animal life -- including aquariums or cages -- it is more often used to describe a terrarium containing nonaquatic life. Vivariums can be open or closed systems. Open vivariums require regular addition of water, nutrients and other necessities while closed vivariums are almost completely self-sufficient. A common structure to use for either type of vivarium is an aquarium. It is transparent, sturdy and constructed to contain live organisms, making its use far simpler than constructing a vivarium from scratch.

Things You'll Need

  • Large bucket
  • Siphon tube
  • Plastic tarp
  • Scrub pad
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Soft towels
  • Bleach
  • Small stones
  • Spanish moss
  • Potting soil
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Instructions

  1. Cleaning a Used Aquarium

    • 1

      Use a bucket or large cup to remove as much water from the aquarium as possible. For larger tanks, use a siphon tube and drain the water completely. Remove and dispose of any remaining gravel, rocks or substrate.

    • 2

      Bring a smaller fish tank (10 gallons or smaller) to a bathtub for cleaning. For larger tanks, lay a clean tarp outside in a sunny area and carefully lay the tank on it. Rinse the inside of the tank with warm water and use a scrub pad to break up dirt or algae stains on the glass. Rinse the tank again and empty the water after finishing.

    • 3

      Rub a thin layer of isopropyl alcohol on both sides of the glass and allow it to air dry until no trace of the alcohol scent remains. Rinse the outside and inside of the tank with water and then drain the tank completely. Use a soft towel to remove lingering water spots.

    • 4

      Mix 1 cup of plain bleach with one cup of warm water and put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray the outside of the glass with the mixture and clean the glass with a soft towel. Rinse the outer glass and wipe it dry it with a towel. Allow the tank to sit in sunlight for several hours to bake off any lingering residue.

    • 5

      Place the aquarium in a location that is not exposed to any drafts and is exposed to a controllable amount of sunlight -- such as a window equipped with shades that can be drawn as necessary.

    Setting Up a Vivarium

    • 6

      Choose which plant species will live in the vivarium. Select plants that have similar sunlight, water and nutrient requirements and will not jut out from the vivarium when fully grown.

    • 7

      Select which animal species, if any, will live in the vivarium. Select animals that will have sufficient space when fully grown, can thrive in the same conditions as the plants and will not prey on any plants or other animals in the vivarium.

    • 8

      Cover the bottom of the aquarium with an inch-thick layer of small stones to promote water drainage. Cover these stones with a thin layer of spaghnum moss (also known as Spanish moss). Pour potting soil over these layers. The depth of the soil depends on what plants are being used.

    • 9

      Place the plants in the potting soil. Place food and water dishes for any animals. Water the plants and soil as necessary and introduce any animals into the vivarium.

    • 10

      Expose the vivarium to sunlight throughout the day. Only reduce sunlight exposure if overheating or excessive condensation occurs. Check the moisture content of the soil daily by sticking your finger into it and apply additional water only if the soil is dry. Change the food and water supply for animals as needed.