What’s The Difference? Terrarium Vs. Vivarium Vs. Paludarium (7 Unique Characteristics)

Closed ecosystems have been a popular trend for hobbyists and nature enthusiasts alike, providing an opportunity to bring a piece of the natural world into the comfort of one’s home. Terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums are all types of closed ecosystems that have their own unique features and purposes. However, understanding the differences between these three systems can be confusing for those who are new to the world of closed ecosystems.

In this article, we will explore the definitions of each type of ecosystem and compare and contrast their similarities and differences. Whether you are a seasoned hobbyist or just starting out, this article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the differences between terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums, allowing you to make an informed decision on which type of ecosystem is best suited for you and your needs.

From the ideal conditions required for each system to the types of plants and animals that can be housed within, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the differences between terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums.

The Unique Characteristics of Terrariums, Vivariums, and Paludariums

What is a Terrarium?

The Definitions of The Terrarium?

A terrarium is a type of closed ecosystem that provides a controlled environment for growing plants. It is typically made from clear glass or plastic containers that allow for plenty of light to reach the plants inside, creating an environment that is ideal for plant growth.

Terrariums can be opened or closed, with open terrariums allowing for better air circulation, while closed terrariums create a more humid environment that is ideal for certain types of plants. The purpose of a terrarium is to showcase the beauty and diversity of different plant species, and they are often used as educational tools, or simply for decorative purposes.

What is a Vivarium?

The Definitions of The Vivarium

Vivariums, on the other hand, are closed ecosystem designed to house animals, such as reptiles, amphibians, or insects. The purpose of a vivarium is to provide a controlled environment that mimics the animal’s natural habitat, offering a comfortable living space for the creatures inside.

Vivarium are designed to maintain a specific temperature, humidity, and lighting levels that are appropriate for the specific animal species being housed. Additionally, vivarium often include features such as hiding spots, climbing areas, and a source of water to meet the needs of the animal. Vivarium can vary in size and complexity, from simple setups for a single pet to large, elaborate setups for multiple animals. The goal of a vivarium is to create a healthy and sustainable environment for the animals housed within.

What is a Paludarium?

The Definitions of The Paludarium?

A paludarium is a type of closed ecosystem that combines elements of both terrariums and vivariums, offering a controlled environment for both plants and animals. A paludarium typically includes both terrestrial and aquatic areas, providing a unique environment for both plant and animal life.

The purpose of a paludarium is to create a harmonious balance between the two environments, offering a sustainable living space for both plant and animal species. Paludariums often include features such as waterfalls, streams, and planted areas that create a natural and aesthetically pleasing environment. Paludariums can be quite complex, requiring a delicate balance of temperature, humidity, and lighting levels to support the different types of life housed within.

The goal of a paludarium is to create a living, thriving ecosystem that supports both plant and animal life. The main difference between terrariums, vivarium, and paludarium is their purpose and the types of living organisms they house. Terrariums are designed for growing plants, vivarium for housing animals, and paludarium for both plants and animals.

Additionally, the conditions required for each type of ecosystem are different, with terrariums needing a specific balance of light, moisture, and temperature for the plants to thrive, vivarium needing to mimic the animal’s natural habitat, and Paludarium needing to balance both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

The following table outlines the differences between Terrariums, Vivariums, and Paludariums, providing a comprehensive comparison of these closed ecosystems. From the purpose of each system to the types of organisms housed within, and the environment required for each, this table offers a detailed overview of the similarities and differences between these three types of closed ecosystems.

Understanding these differences is essential for anyone looking to set up their own closed ecosystem, as choosing the right type will ensure the health and well-being of the plants and animals housed within.

Note: The bellow table is a generalization and may vary depending on the specific species of plants and animals housed in each type of closed ecosystem.

Terrariums, Vivariums, and Paludariums: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Terrariums	Vivariums	Paludariums
Purpose	To grow plants	To house animals	To house both plants and animals
Organisms	Plants	Animals (reptiles, amphibians, insects, etc.)	Plants and animals (aquatic and terrestrial)
Environment	Controlled and enclosed environment for plants	Controlled and enclosed environment for animals, mimicking natural habitat	Controlled and enclosed environment for both plants and animals, balancing aquatic and terrestrial environments
Light	High levels of light required for plant growth	Varies depending on the animal species	High levels of light required for plant growth, balanced with adequate lighting for aquatic animals
Moisture	Moderate to high levels of moisture required for plant growth	Varies depending on the animal species	Moderate to high levels of moisture required for plant growth, balanced with appropriate levels of water for aquatic animals
Temperature	Moderate to high levels of temperature required for plant growth	Varies depending on the animal species	Moderate to high levels of temperature required for plant growth, balanced with appropriate temperature for aquatic animals
Maintenance	Regular watering, pruning, and cleaning of plant debris	Regular cleaning, feeding, and monitoring of animal health	Regular watering, pruning, cleaning of plant debris, feeding and monitoring of animal health, and water changes for aquatic animals

Maintaining the Terrarium, Vivarium, and Paludarium

Maintaining a terrarium, vivarium, or paludarium requires a certain level of commitment and care, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Maintaining a Terrarium:

• Light: Provide ample light for the plants, either through natural sunlight or artificial lighting. Avoid placing the terrarium in direct sunlight, as this can cause overheating.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The level of watering required will depend on the type of plants being grown and the temperature and humidity of the environment.
• Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation within the terrarium, either by opening the lid regularly or by adding a fan. This helps to prevent mold and mildew from developing.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Maintaining a Vivarium:

• Temperature: Maintain the temperature within the vivarium at a level that is appropriate for the species being housed. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and make adjustments as necessary.
• Lighting: Provide a source of light that mimics natural daylight, including both UVB and UVA light. A basking spot with a heat lamp is also important for some species.
• Humidity: Maintain the humidity level at a level that is appropriate for the species being housed. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity and make adjustments as necessary.
• Enrichment: Provide a variety of hiding spots, climbing areas, and other types of enrichment to keep the animals active and healthy.
• Feeding: Provide a varied diet that meets the nutritional needs of the species being housed. Follow the specific feeding requirements for each species.

Maintaining a Paludarium:

• Lighting: Provide adequate lighting for both the aquatic and terrestrial areas of the paludarium. This may involve using a combination of natural and artificial lighting.
• Water Quality: Maintain good water quality in the aquatic areas, by performing regular water changes and testing the pH, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels.
• Plants: Ensure the plants are receiving the light, water, and nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
• Animals: Provide a varied diet that meets the nutritional needs of the species being housed, and follow the specific care requirements for each species.

The golden 3 tips for Terrarium, Vivarium and Paludarium

• Terrariums: Provide adequate lighting, while avoiding direct sunlight which can overheat the terrarium.
• Vivariums: Maintain proper temperature and humidity levels to create a comfortable environment for your animals.
• Paludariums: Balance the water and land areas, and monitor the environment regularly to maintain stability in the ecosystem.

In conclusion, we expect that you have gained great knowledge about Terrarium, Vivarium and Paludarium and key differences as well as a brief knowledge about maintaining those ecosystems.

whether it’s a terrarium, vivarium, or paludarium, each type of environment offers its own unique benefits and challenges. However, by understanding the specific care requirements for each and taking a responsible approach to maintaining the environment, individuals can experience the joy and rewards that come with keeping these unique and fascinating ecosystems. Whether it’s growing plants, keeping exotic animals, or creating a beautiful and thriving environment, these three types of environments offer endless opportunities for creativity, learning, and enjoyment.