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.
Key Characteristics of a Riparium
- Aquatic and Terrestrial Elements:
Aquatic Zone: Contains water with aquatic plants and possibly fish or other aquatic animals.
Terrestrial Zone: Features emergent plants that grow partially submerged with their roots in water and their foliage above the water line.
- Container:
Often a glass or acrylic tank similar to an aquarium, but it can also be a shallow dish or a specially designed riparium tank.
- Substrate and Planting Media:
The substrate can include gravel, sand, or aquatic soil. Floating planters or foam rafts may be used to anchor plants in the emergent zone.
- Lighting:
Full-spectrum lighting to support both submerged and emergent plants. LED lights are commonly used.
- Filtration and Water Movement:
A filtration system to keep the water clean. Gentle water movement is preferred to mimic the natural flow of a riparian zone.
How to build and set up a Riparian step by step Read More