A terrarium with a water section: All You Need to Know About Paludariums
The paludarium. This fascinating ecosystem, 
which integrates both water and land, provides a home for a variety of plants and animals and can be a breathtaking addition to your living space. Whether you are already very experienced or new to the hobby and considering buying one, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need about paludariums, from the building process to choosing the right plants and animals.
What is a Paludarium?
A paludarium is a unique combination of a terrarium and aquarium, harmoniously integrating both water and land. The word “paludarium” is derived from the Latin “palus,” meaning “swamp,” and it is a perfect description of the natural environment you are trying to create. In a paludarium, there is usually a water section, which acts as habitat for aquatic plants and animals, and a land section where terrestrial plants and animals can live.
The concept of this type of residence offers unlimited creative possibilities for aquarium and terrarium enthusiasts. You can experiment with different landscape designs and the choice of plants and animals is virtually endless. This makes it an exciting hobby for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike.
Building a Paludarium
Before we get into the details of plants and animals for your paludarium, let’s look at the building process. Creating a paludarium is an exciting endeavor, but it requires some planning and knowledge to make it a success. Here are the basic steps to get you started:
Choose a suitable location: It is essential to choose a suitable location for your stay. Consider factors such as light, temperature and humidity. Make sure your paludarium is in a place where you can easily access it for maintenance and it is not in full sunlight.
Select the right size paludarium: One of the most important parts of your paludarium is the size. Be sure to consider in advance what animals will be in it, where it will be located and how much space you have available. Make sure your paludarium is waterproof and suitable for both aquatic and terrarium plants and animals.
Substrate and cover: Choose the right substrate for both the water and land areas such as filter mats to ensure that your soil substrate does not come into contact with the water. You may also need a cover to prevent animals from escaping or too much moisture from evaporating.
Furnish water section: Fill the water section of your paludarium with osmosis water or tap water. Consider using an aquarium heater and filter to control water temperature and quality. Add decorative elements such as rocks, wood, hygrolon and aquatic plants.
Set up land section: Create the land section using suitable substrate, such as epiweb panels or filter mat. Place terrarium plants and decorative elements such as hygrolon lianas, epiweb lianas, branches and tropical mix leaves.
Lighting and climate control: Provide appropriate lighting for both the water and land areas of your paludarium. It is important to choose the right Skylight terrarium lighting for the health of the plants and animals. Regulate temperature and humidity with heating and humidification systems.
Select your plants and animals: Now that your paludarium is set up, you can begin selecting plants and animals suitable for your ecosystem. This is a crucial step and requires thorough research to ensure that your paludarium thrives.
The Plants in a Paludarium
Plants play an essential role in the paludarium, both in the water area and on land. They not only provide a natural look, but also contribute to the balance of the ecosystem by producing oxygen and removing waste products. Here are some popular plants that are very suitable:
Bromeliads : Bromeliads such as Neoregelia Winnie the Pooh, are indispensable in any paludarium as they provide good humidity and shelter for your paludarium inhabitants. Also, they look stunning and will give the paludarium a beautiful rainforest look.
Anubias: Anubias are slow-growing aquatic plants that adapt well to the conditions in a paludarium. They usually attach themselves to rocks or driftwood.
Sonerila: Sonerila such as Sonerila Vietnam do great near pools and streams where humidity is very high, making them an excellent choice for a paludarium. They add a tropical look and grow perfectly in humid environments.
Moss: Moss can grow both in water and on land and is an excellent choice for creating a lush, green look that will make everything look very natural.
Air plants: Air plants can be attached to stones, wood or other decorative elements. They get nutrients from the air and do not need soil.
It is important to understand the specific needs of the plants in this type of enclosure, such as light requirements, water conditions and temperature range. Be sure to consider these needs when selecting plants and setting up your paludarium.
What Animals for are suitable for this enclosure?
Choosing the right animals suitable for the habitat is just as important as selecting the plants. You want to make sure that the animals you add are compatible with both the water and land areas and that they can thrive in the conditions you have created. Here are some fascinating animals suitable for a paludarium:
Poison Frogs (Dendrobatidae): Dendrobatid frogs, also called poison frogs, are colorful and fascinating animals that thrive in a paludarium. They require high humidity and thrive in both water and land.
Salamanders (Salamandridae): Salamanders are amphibians that are a unique addition to a paludarium. They can live both in water and on land and require moist environments.
Shrimp (Neocaridina spp.): Freshwater shrimp, such as Neocaridina, are excellent inhabitants of the water section of your paludarium. They are easy to maintain and come in a variety of colors.
Crabs (Geosesarma spp.): Crabs, such as the Geosesarma species, are suitable inhabitants for the land part of your paludarium. They have fascinating behavior and can live in shallow water.
Turtles (Trachemys spp.): Some turtle species can live in water as well as on land. Be sure to meet the specific needs of turtles, including a heated basking area.
It is critical to carefully consider the needs of the animals in your paludarium, including nutrition, temperature and space requirements. Animal welfare must always come first.
Maintaining Your Paludarium
After building and setting up your enclosure, regular maintenance is essential to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Here are some important maintenance tasks you need to perform:
Water quality: Check water quality regularly, including pH, ammonia and nitrite levels. Perform water changes as needed.
Plant care: Trim and prune plants to prevent overgrowth and ensure they stay healthy. Remove dead leaves and plants as needed.
Animal Care: Make sure you feed animals properly and monitor their health and behavior. Provide a clean living environment. This is especially important with water residents. In general, you don’t need to clean the land part. Especially not if you make sure tropical woodlice and springtails are present in the enclosure.
Lighting: Provide proper Skylight terrarium lighting so that all plants from top to bottom will do well. We will always inform you so that you can achieve the perfect lighting plan for your paludarium.
Temperature and humidity: Control temperature and humidity to maintain ideal conditions with such things as fans and water heating.
Buying a Paludarium
Buying a terrarium is the first step to creating an enchanting miniature world in your own home, and it offers ultimate relaxation amid busy times. With proper care, plant selection and accessories at Biotopo, you can create a captivating ecosystem that is not only visually appealing, but also a source of peace and joy. Take the time to explore your options, get inspired and choose a terrarium that fits your personality and living space perfectly.
Conclusion
Keeping a paludarium is an exciting and unique hobby that appeals to both aquarium and terrarium enthusiasts. The integration of water and land creates a beautiful and vibrant world in which a variety of plants and animals thrive. Whether you decide to build it all by yourself or buy one, it is essential to pay attention to the needs of your plants and animals to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
When selecting plants and animals, thorough research and planning is crucial. Make sure you understand what each organism needs to thrive and create the right conditions to ensure their well-being.
A well-maintained paludarium can be a source of wonder and beauty in your home or office. Not only does it offer a unique view of nature, but it can also be an educational experience for enthusiasts of all ages. So, go on an adventure and create your own enchanting world underwater and above ground with a wonderful abode. We are happy to help you put it together and are always ready to answer all your questions.