Exo Terra Advanced Paludarium and Rainforest Terrarium Mini X-Tall 30 x 30 x 60 cm

OverviewTerrarium meets Aquarium: The Exo Terra Paludarium is a semi-aquatic terrarium habitat that replicates a rainforest, swamp or stream and can harbour aquatic as well as terrestrial animal and plant species. A paludarium combines the best of two worlds: the bottom part has an extra high front bottom glass, providing a higher water level and an increased water volume compared to common terrariums. The unique root background provides extra climbing opportunities and simulates a natural banyan tree-root environment. The increased 3-D dwelling space makes it a great habitat for a number of tree dwelling species like tree boas & pythons, day geckos, leaf-tailed geckos, tokay geckos, tree frogs, etc. The extra high front bottom glass of the Exo Terra Paludarium enables you to incorporate a substantial water part or aquarium section, which allows you to keep aquatic animals and plants adjacent to the land or terrarium section. A part of the aquatic section can consist of a false bottom to support the land section, accommodate and hide the aquatic appliances like filters, pumps and water heaters and can double as a biological filtration media. The word paludarium originates from the Latin word “palus” which stands for swamp. The Paludarium’s living space consists of 3 distinct zones: Terrestrial Zone The terrestrial zone is a land area with plants, trees, bushes and rocks that never submerges. In tropical climates a variety of invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians occur here. Riparian Zone The riparian zone or river bank is the interface between land and water. It is inhabited by semi-aquatic reptiles and amphibians. Aquatic Zone The aquatic zone can be a stream, pond or even lake – home to turtles, aquatic amphibians, fishes and freshwater shrimps. Water plays a vital role in the life of all animals. It is important for temperature regulation, nutrient uptake, waste removal, body weight and health. Additionally, many species require the presence of water during a short or longer period of time for certain stages in their life cycle like mating, egg laying, development (larval phase) or even shedding their skin. In the wild, events like seasonal flooding or heavy monsoon rains provide circumstances essential for their survival. If water is not available during a significant period of time, they will either perish or won’t be able to reproduce. To create a waterfall, cascade or background irrigation system, we recommend using the Exo Terra Cascade High Performance Submersible Pump & Filter HP180 (not included). The Exo Terra Cascade is a high performance submersible pump with 3-stage filtration system, specifically designed to create waterfalls or cascading streams up to a maximum height of 180 cm (70”). The extreme pump height allows you to create a large single step waterfall flowing from the top of your terrarium in to a water reservoir below, or a multiple step cascade resembling a series of mini waterfalls that descend in to a meandering stream at the bottom of your terrarium. The Cascade High Performance Pump is also ideal for constant irrigation of the terrarium background, creating a perfect environment for all kinds of lichen and mosses, ferns, vines, bromeliads, orchids and epiphytic plants. The Exo Terra Cascade’s low voltage pump ensures safety when used in a wet environment. Guide the water from the filter pump through your terrarium along a background with live plants and moss or by creating waterfalls that gradually drop the water back into to the water basin. Waterfalls add aesthetic appeal and will help oxygenate and biologically filter the water. Live plants and moss will contribute to the filtration capacities of your terrarium. This type of setup allows you to create an effective filtration system, mirroring the process of natural biological filtration. A fully functioning paludarium will provide a constant source of clean water, which is imperative to keep semi-aquatic species. It is basically a small, closed ecosystem. The front opening doors can be opened separately to reduce the risk of escape while allowing easy access for maintenance and feeding. A specifically designed lock prevents animals from accidentally opening the doors. The full screen top ventilation allows UVB and infrared penetration, and is completely removable for easy access while decorating or cleaning. In the back of the screen cover are 5 closable wire or tube inlets on both sides to install waterfalls, pumps, aquarium heaters, sensors, etc. inside the terrarium. A fully equipped and functioning paludarium is basically a small, closed ecosystem. Use Biotize to speed up biological filtration capabilities and have your bio-active ecosystem up-and-running in no time. Various types of reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and plants can be housed in the Exo Terra paludarium. Stream dwelling species like small turtles, basilisks, water dragons, anoles, newts, salamanders, tree frogs, dart frogs and small species of fish will thrive in the paludarium. Other species that can be housed in a paludarium are mudskippers, freshwater or brackish crabs, shrimp and snails. Perform regular water checks to verify the water quality and the effectiveness of your filter. Partial water changes can help to remove toxic substances or improve the overall water quality. Unless really necessary, make sure to never perform entire water changes, as this will also remove beneficial bacteria and organisms. Install a paludarium, and enjoy an amazing rainforest scenery in your living room! Ideal for arboreal reptiles and amphibians, and taller live plants. This Rainforest Terrarium is the perfect habitat for vertical or tree dwelling species, stimulating natural vertical movement.