How do I make a terrarium?? With plants and rocks and a waterfall?

Question

I have a 5 gallon tnak that i want to use.

What kind of plants should i get? (there are not going to be any animals living in it )

Also are there cheap ways to make a waterfall ??

oh and should i get soil or what for the substrate for the plants to grow on and what are some good rocks and moss??

also will an ivy do well init too?? casue i ahve one growing in a waterbottle with just water and its doing great!! will the change into different water that has air getting to it make it die?? or will it be ok?

also if i have a waterfall since the water will be moving a lot it wont grow mold right?

Also if i add moss and some plants will it all multiply? so i wont ahve to buy sooo many plants??

Also what other stuff do i need to know??

Do i need a heat lamp? will my desk lamp be fine for light? also it produces a lottt of heat its a 50 WT and 20V and it says its UV?? wahtever that means, is this good enough light?

Answer 1

I would go to the pet shop for a fish tank pump. That should pump the water up nicely. You need to make a pool and the slope and top for the waterfall. For that I would use a fairly thick pvc plastic in a green that you should be able to get at the nursury or use an old bag. Then dig out the pool and line it with the plastic and pack stones around the side to hold it down and hide it. Then for the top and drop I would get some cardboard and stable the plastic on the back and drape the top over. The pump you can hide behind some stones and run one pipe into the water and the other outlet end to the top of the waterfall. You could use a brown plastic as well to make it look more natural. If you then pack your stones and sand around it properly and make it thin you should have a nice effect and sound. Plants I would try the local dug outs first and see if it takes. My mom always says if it dies try something else.