How to Set Up a Landwater Terrarium

A terrarium is an aquarium that is half filled with water areas and land areas. A land/water terrarium is used as a small ecosystem to grow plants and keep small amphibians. The plants you use should be water-loving, bog-type plants, such as mosses, lichens, miniature ferns and spider plants. The plants can be regular plants used by home gardeners such as begonias and African violets, however; make sure that they do not grow too large. The species of amphibians should be small, such as frogs, toads, salamanders and newts. These amphibians are docile and reclusive, being perfect for a home land/water terrarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Glass partition to span the width of the aquarium
  • Aquarium-safe epoxy
  • Ventilated hood
  • Thermometer
  • Heat light
  • UV light
  • Plants
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Activated charcoal
  • Pebbles
  • Soil
  • Tank decorations
  • Amphibians
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Instructions

    • 1

      Affix the glass partition horizontally to fit the width of the tank using a nontoxic aquarium-safe epoxy, such as Hold-Fast Epoxy by Aquarium Systems. Decide how much of the tank you want to use for land and divide the aquarium with the glass partition at that division point. The size of the tank will determine the size of the glass partition. Measure the tank for width and length and cut the glass partition to fit these measurements. Completely cover the seam of the partition where it touches the tank glass to lessen a chance of leaking. Allow the epoxy to cure before the next step.

    • 2

      Add a 1-inch layer of pebbles over the bottom of the entire tank. This will allow for adequate drainage of moisture buildup.

    • 3

      Layer the activated charcoal on top of the pebbles on the land side of the tank. Charcoal will act as a filter, allowing the air and water in the land/water terrarium to stay cleaner. The charcoal layer should be about 1/2 inch thick.

    • 4

      Spread a thin layer of sphagnum moss, no thicker than a 1/4inch, for the next layer. The moss will act as a porous barrier and keep the next layer of soil from settling into the cracks of the pebbles and charcoal.

    • 5

      Smooth out the soil layer onto the moss, 2 inches deep. Use a mix of soil available for aquariums. You can buy the soil at local fish and aquarium stores.

    • 6

      Place the heat lamps, thermometers and UV lighting into the terrarium. Cover the heat lamps to protect reptiles from burns. Place the light to accommodate the basking preferences of the reptiles.

    • 7

      Arrange the plants according to how you want to view the terrarium. If you want to look at it from the front of the terrarium, place tall plants to the back of the tank. For viewing terrarium from all angles, place the taller plants in the middle. Place shorter plants along the edges of the tank.

    • 8

      Fill the water area with clean water. Mist the soil area and plants with garden mister. Do not over-mist as too much moisture can cause mold growth.

    • 9

      Decorate the terrarium with desired ornaments, such as driftwood, flat rocks or overturned, small terra cotta pots to allow for basking spots.

    • 10

      Add the amphibians to the land/water terrarium. Cover the top of the tank with the ventilated hood tightly to prevent the amphibians from escaping.