Paludarium
An aquarium that combines a submerged aquatic part with a terrestrial emerged part. Recreate rainforest, riverbank and mangrove forest environments.
Detailed explanation
The paludarium is a hybrid between an aquarium and a terrarium. The aquarium is divided into an aquatic area (with fish, submerged plants, shrimps) and an emerged area (with terrestrial plants, mosses, wood and sometimes small amphibians or reptiles).
The charm of the paludarium lies in the recreation of complete ecosystems. An Amazonian river bank with emerged plants, roots descending into the water, fish swimming below and frogs climbing above. Or a tropical mangrove forest with partially submerged mangrove roots.
Construction requires more planning than a traditional aquarium. The structure of the emerged landscape is created with expanded polyurethane foam, fiberglass mesh, substrate for epiphytic plants and mosses. The water tightness of the submerged area must be guaranteed.
Emerged plants grow much faster than submerged ones because they have direct access to atmospheric CO2. Ferns (Microsorum, Asplenium), tropical mosses (Taxiphyllum, Vesicularia), epiphytic plants (Tillandsia, Bromeliaceae), creepers (Pothos) are popular choices.
The aquatic area functions like a normal aquarium. Small tropical fish, shrimp and snails can be kept. Filtration can be integrated into the structure with a waterfall system where the water flows from the top downwards creating a stream effect.
The humidity in the emerged part is fundamental. A partial cover or misting system maintains the 80-95% humidity needed for tropical plants.
Maintenance combines that of an aquarium and a terrarium. The aquatic area requires water changes and testing like a normal aquarium. The emerged area requires pruning, spraying and control of terrestrial parasites.