Project Progress

This week marked a significant turning point for my naturalism-inspired river simulation project. I’ve finally transitioned from conceptual planning into hands-on building, making everything feel suddenly very real and exciting. There’s something deeply satisfying about moving from ideas on paper to actual materials in my hand.

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I began by completing my research phase, diving back into SerpaDesign on YouTube and several other creators who specialize in naturalistic terrariums and aquascapes. These videos were invaluable for understanding how to create a visually seamless nature build and manage water flow in confined spaces. I spent considerable time mapping out the logistics, focusing on figuring out optimal pump placement, planning water flow between compartments, and ensuring the layout would remain visually balanced while remaining functional.

Over the weekend, I went hiking specifically to gather natural materials. This turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the process so far. I collected an assortment of interesting stones, weathered sticks, and small patches of moss that looked like they belonged in an authentic streambed. This wasn’t just about aesthetics, but was about infusing the project with genuine meaning, and materials from the boulder area. I want this piece to feel like a living fragment of nature that someone could bring indoors, and personally sourcing these materials adds a layer of authenticity that store-bought components simply can’t match. The hike itself helped me reconnect with the exact mood and atmosphere I’m trying to recreate in this build.

With materials in mind, I began purchasing the technical components. I bought an aquarium pump to simulate water flow and silicone sealant for waterproofing. I then started cutting the acrylic sheets that will form the outer walls and internal compartments of the project. Getting these measurements precise was tricky but essential for the structural integrity of the piece.

My first real challenge emerged when trying to seal the middle compartment, which needs to hold water and redirect it through the natural-looking channel I’ve designed. My initial attempt using superglue and hot glue was a complete failure. The hot glue lacked both the strength and flexibility to handle water pressure, and small leaks quickly developed along the seams. After some frustration, I went back to research and discovered that aquarium-safe silicone was the proper solution for sealing acrylic and containing water long-term.

This led to another trip to the hardware store for proper silicone sealant. I carefully removed the failed sealing materials, thoroughly cleaned the surfaces, and reapplied fresh silicone along all the joins. Currently, the silicone is still in the curing process, so I haven’t been able to conduct a second water test yet. I’m hopeful that once fully cured, the compartment will be completely watertight.

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Assuming the waterproofing holds, my next steps will include installing the pump, arranging the natural materials I’ve collected, and finalizing the aesthetic elements that will bring this mini-ecosystem to life. Despite the setbacks, it feels incredibly satisfying to see the project taking physical form. The learning curve has been steeper than expected, but each problem solved brings me closer to the vision I’ve been carrying around in my head these past few weeks.

**Images are attached as links, because the website would not let me upload my photos**