Paludariums

Paludariums Buying Guide & Tips

Not sure where to start? Check out our Paludariums 101: Set-Up Guide for everything you need to know about creating a thriving semi aquatic environment.

Paludariums are tall glass terrariums with a large glass panel below the ventilation. Perfect for creating a mixed aquatic and terrestrial environment. It’s great for semi-aquatic and aquatic animals, including amphibians, geckos, crustaceans, small lizards and fish.

We stock paludariums in various sizes. This includes:

• Mini – 30 x 30 x 60 cm

• Small – 45 x 45 x 90 cm

• Medium – 60 x 45 x 90 cm

• Large – 90 x 45 x 90 cm

When equipping an Exo Terra paludarium or tall tank, you should incorporate both terrestrial and aquatic elements for your exotic pet or terrestrial animal. For the land or terrarium section or raised area, you can use pebbles, gravel, tropical or jungle substrates. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Does the Word Paludarium Mean?

The word paludarium originates from the Latin word palus, meaning swamp. Paludariums are semi-aquatic terrariums that replicate the swamp or rainforest biome. 

These usually consist of a land portion or riparian zone, a terrestrial part with trees and bushes and a substantial water part or aquarium section. They are perfect for semi-aquatic species, such as frogs, newts, toads, salamanders, axolotls and skinks. 

What Supplies for Paludariums Can Be Found at Reptile Centre?

A wide range of equipment and decor for paludariums can be bought at Reptile Centre. This includes cork bark, mopani wood, semi aquatic plants, live plants and epiphytic plants. 

Plant species that are suitable for paludariums include pothos, philodendrons, begonia, fittonia, tillandsia and bromeliads. We stock all of these paludarium plants listed.

Does a Paludarium Need Any Filtration?

With paludariums, we recommend filtration, whether that’s biological, mechanical or chemical. Water should be changed on a bi-weekly basis and no paludariums should be without filters.