How to Make a Terrarium Waterfall

Building a terrarium can be fun and educational whether you build a small one from a soda bottle for plants or a large one in a glass aquarium to house animals such as turtles and frogs. Regardless of what you keep in your aquarium, if you build a larger one, waterfalls are a fun addition. You can purchase pre-made waterfalls, which can be expensive, or you can make your own terrarium waterfall out of a water pump, some stones and a plastic storage container for little money.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon glass aquarium
  • Plastic storage container
  • Water pump
  • Stones
  • Plumber's caulk
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct your aquarium as you normally would. Use a 20-gallon glass aquarium for best results with the waterfall.

    • 2

      Choose a plastic storage container to work as your water receptacle for your waterfall. The exact dimension is up to you, but it will need to fit into your aquarium and should be at least two inches deep.

    • 3

      Dig a hole into the soil of your terrarium, and insert the plastic container. The top of the container should be level with your soil.

    • 4

      Select a water pump. Water pumps can be found at pet supply stores, as well as hobby shops or craft stores. They range in cost from inexpensive to very expensive. A simple one is fine; however, if you can find one that has water flow control, that will make your waterfall setup easier.

    • 5

      Follow the package directions to test your water pump. Generally, you will place the pump into a water source and turn it on. Adjust the water flow to a lower setting for best results.

    • 6

      Fill your plastic storage container with stones of different sizes and shapes. This will add a nice look and keep the water from splashing too much.

    • 7

      Build a stack of stones to lie against the wall of your aquarium. This will give your water a rock formation to flow down. You can use plumber's caulk to attach the stones together. Once the caulk is dry, place the stones against the wall of your aquarium. If necessary, use a little caulk to attach the stones to the wall of the aquarium.

    • 8

      Insert your water pump into the plastic container, and position it so that the water will flow down the stone formation when it is turned on.

    • 9

      Fill the container with water and turn on your pump. Adjust the stone placement in the bottom of the container if the stones are impeding water flow.