Advanced Paludarium & Rainforest Terrarium
- Ventilation through the front window
- Dual doors to prevent escapes
- Aqua-terrarium combination with an extra deep waterproof base
- Raised bottom frame designed for the Exo Terra Heat Mat
- Premium stainless steel mesh ensures optimal ventilation & UVB access
- Lockable door for added safety
- Four secure screen cover locks
- Sealable inlets for wires and tubing
- Background included
- Background designed with cut-outs for wires and tubing
Where Terrarium Meets Aquarium: The Exo Terra Paludarium is a semi-aquatic terrarium that mimics a rainforest, swamp, or stream, accommodating both aquatic and terrestrial animal and plant life. This paludarium merges the best features of both environments: the lower section has a notably tall front glass, which allows for a higher water level and increased water volume compared to standard terrariums.
The distinctive root background provides additional climbing spaces and recreates a natural banyan tree-root habitat. The enhanced 3-D living area makes it an ideal home for various arboreal species such as tree boas & pythons, day geckos, leaf-tailed geckos, tokay geckos, tree frogs, and more.
The taller front glass of the Exo Terra Paludarium allows for a significant aquatic section or aquarium area, enabling you to house aquatic creatures and plants alongside the land or terrarium space. Part of the aquatic area can feature a false bottom that supports the land section, conceals aquatic equipment like filters, pumps, and heaters, while also functioning as biological filtration media.
The term paludarium is derived from the Latin word “palus,” meaning swamp.
The Paludarium comprises 3 distinct zones:
Terrestrial Zone
This land area is filled with plants, trees, bushes, and rocks that remain above water. In tropical regions, this zone supports a variety of invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians.
Riparian Zone
The riparian zone or riverbank serves as the boundary between land and water, inhabited by semi-aquatic reptiles and amphibians.
Aquatic Zone
The aquatic zone can range from a stream, pond, or even a lake, serving as a habitat for turtles, aquatic amphibians, fish, and freshwater shrimp.
Water is crucial for the survival of all animals. It aids in temperature regulation, nutrient absorption, waste elimination, body weight maintenance, and overall health. Furthermore, many species need water during specific life stages such as mating, egg-laying, development (larval phase), or molting. In nature, occurrences like seasonal floods or heavy rains create essential conditions for their survival. Lack of water for extended periods can lead to mortality or hinder reproduction.
To create a waterfall, cascade, or background irrigation system, we suggest utilizing the Exo Terra Cascade High Performance Submersible Pump & Filter HP180 (not included). This powerful submersible pump features a 3-stage filtration system, specifically designed for waterfalls or cascading streams up to a maximum height of 180 cm (70”). The impressive pump height allows for a large single-step waterfall flowing from the top of your terrarium into a water reservoir below, or a multi-step cascade resembling a series of small waterfalls that flow into a winding stream at the bottom of your terrarium. The Cascade High Performance Pump is also perfect for continuously irrigating the terrarium background, fostering an ideal atmosphere for various lichens and mosses, ferns, vines, bromeliads, orchids, and epiphytic plants. The Exo Terra Cascade’s low-voltage pump is safe for use in wet areas.
Direct the water from the filtration pump throughout your terrarium along a background adorned with live plants and moss, or create waterfalls that gradually return the water to the reservoir. Waterfalls enhance visual appeal and promote oxygenation and biological filtration of the water. Live plants and moss contribute to the overall filtration system of your terrarium. This setup enables you to establish an efficient filtration process that mirrors natural biological filtration. A well-functioning paludarium will provide a continuous source of clean water, crucial for maintaining semi-aquatic species. It essentially forms a small, closed ecosystem.
The front-opening doors can be opened individually to minimize escape risks while allowing easy access for maintenance and feeding. A specially designed lock prevents animals from unintentionally opening the doors. The fully screened top allows for UVB and infrared penetration and can be completely removed for effortless access during decorating or cleaning. At the back of the screen cover, there are 5 closable inlets for wires or tubes on both sides to facilitate the installation of waterfalls, pumps, aquarium heaters, sensors, and more inside the terrarium.
An adequately equipped and functioning paludarium operates as a small, closed ecosystem.
Utilize Biotize to accelerate biological filtration capabilities and establish your bio-active ecosystem swiftly.
Various reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and plants can thrive in the Exo Terra paludarium. Stream-dwelling species like small turtles, basilisks, water dragons, anoles, newts, salamanders, tree frogs, dart frogs, and small fish species will flourish in the paludarium. Other species suitable for a paludarium include mudskippers, freshwater or brackish crabs, shrimp, and snails.
Conduct regular water quality checks to assess the effectiveness of your filtration system. Partial water changes can help eliminate toxins or enhance overall water quality. Unless absolutely necessary, avoid complete water changes, as this can also remove beneficial bacteria and organisms.
Set up a paludarium and enjoy a stunning rainforest ambiance right in your living room!
Perfect for arboreal reptiles and amphibians, as well as taller live plants, this Rainforest Terrarium serves as an ideal habitat for vertical or tree-dwelling species, encouraging their natural vertical movement.
