A vivarium is an enclosed space designed to simulate a natural habitat for plants and animals, typically used for research, observation, or as a hobby. The word “vivarium” comes from the Latin word “vivere,” meaning “to live,” and it aims to create a controlled environment where living organisms can thrive. Vivarium’s can vary greatly in size and complexity, from small desktop setups to large, room-sized installations.
Category Archives: Terrariums
Building and Setting Up an Aquarium
Building an aquarium involves creating a balanced, self-contained ecosystem that supports the life of aquatic plants and animals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building and maintaining an aquarium:
Continue readingAquatic Terrariums (Paludariums)
An aquatic terrarium, commonly referred to as a paludarium, is a type of terrarium that combines both terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) elements. It is designed to simulate a natural environment where land and water meet, such as riverbanks, swamps, or mangroves.
Continue readingFernery or Fernerium
Fernery or fernerium
A collection of ferns in a terrarium is often referred to as a “fernery” or “fernerium.” These terms specifically describe a terrarium that is primarily dedicated to cultivating various species of ferns. Ferns thrive in humid environments, making them well-suited for terrariums where humidity and temperature can be controlled to create ideal growing conditions.
Creating a Fernery
Continue readingWhat is a Rainforest Terrarium?
A rainforest terrarium is a type of terrarium that replicates the lush, humid environment of a tropical rainforest. It typically includes a variety of tropical plants, a high level of humidity, and sometimes small animals such as reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates. The goal is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that mimics the conditions of a rainforest, providing a suitable habitat for the plants and animals that thrive in such an environment.
A rainforest terrarium is typically a closed system. This design is crucial for maintaining the high humidity levels and stable temperature conditions required by tropical plants and animals.
Continue readingWhat is a Bioactive Terrarium?
Bioactive Terrarium
A bioactive terrarium is an advanced type of terrarium that replicates a natural ecosystem. It includes not only plants and the main animals being kept, but also various microorganisms and “clean-up crew” invertebrates that help maintain the environment. This creates a self-sustaining system where waste is broken down and recycled, promoting a healthier and more natural habitat for the inhabitants.
Continue readingBenefits of a Closed Terrarium
A closed terrarium is an enclosed environment that creates a self-sustaining ecosystem with its own microclimate. This type of terrarium is particularly suited for plants that thrive in high-humidity environments. Here are the benefits of a closed terrarium:
1. Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
Continue readingOpen Terrariums
An open terrarium is a type of terrarium that features an open top, allowing for greater air circulation and less humidity compared to closed terrariums. These terrariums are particularly suited for plants and environments that thrive in drier conditions with good airflow.
Open Top: No lid or covering, providing free exchange of air with the surrounding environment.
Air Circulation: Enhanced airflow helps prevent excess moisture and mould growth.
Humidity Control: Naturally lower humidity levels, making it ideal for plants that prefer drier conditions.
What is a Riparium
What is a Riparium
A riparium is a type of aquatic setup that replicates the natural environment found along the edges of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water where water meets land. It combines elements of both aquariums and terrariums, featuring both submerged and emergent plants, creating a transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Continue readingRainforest Terrarium
A rainforest terrarium, also known as a tropical terrarium or a vivarium, is a miniature ecosystem designed to replicate the humid, lush conditions of a rainforest. This type of terrarium is ideal for housing tropical plants and, in some cases, animals that thrive in high humidity and warm temperatures. Here’s how to create and maintain a rainforest terrarium:
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