How to Build a Waterfall for a Vivarium

Vivariums are a relatively uncommon type of aquarium. Designed for living plants and animals, a vivarium is especially suited for keeping reptiles and amphibians. These unique tanks consist of both land and water and are ideal for a variety of pets. The presence of a waterfall can augment a vivarium's jungle-like atmosphere and naturalistic aura. The waterfall can be constructed quite simply out of materials widely available at any local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • Rectangular foam block
  • Electric water pump
  • Plastic/rubber tubing
  • Utility knife or razor-blade knife
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Building a Vivarium Waterfall

    • 1

      With the rectangular foam block held upright, twist the screwdriver up through the bottom of the block to create a tiny, vertical tunnel up through the center of the foam. Do not push the screwdriver all the way through; leaving the top of the tunnel capped off by the foam.

    • 2

      Using the utility knife, cut out a portion of the bottom of the foam block in a shape similar to the water pump; make the shape concave to conceal the pump within the bottom of the foam block.

    • 3

      Again using the screwdriver, create another tunnel, this time horizontally, near the top of the block, so that it intersects the vertical tunnel. This is the hole out of which the water will be pumped.

    • 4

      Run the plastic/rubber tubing up through the vertical tunnel in the foam block until only a half-inch or so is jutting into the concave portion of the bottom of the block.

    • 5

      Connect the output of the water pump to the exposed end of the tubing, securing the pump in place within the block.

    • 6

      Place the entire foam block with the pump installed into the vivarium's water.

    • 7

      Plug the water pump's power chord into the nearest convenient power outlet. Water should begin flowing up through the tube and out the top of the foam block.