Exo Terra Paludarium Mini Extra Tall 30 x 30 x 60cm

The Exo Terra Paludarium Mini Extra Tall 30 x 30 x 60cm is a popular semi-aquatic habitat designed to replicate rainforest, swamp, or stream environments. Its key feature is the extra high front bottom glass, which allows for a substantial water section in addition to a land area.

Here's a breakdown of its features and considerations:

Dimensions:

• Metric: 30 cm (length) x 30 cm (width) x 60 cm (height)
• Imperial: Approximately 12 inches x 12 inches x 24 inches

Key Features:

• Paludarium Design: Combines a terrarium (land) and an aquarium (water) section, offering a versatile habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic species. The extra high front glass allows for a deeper water level and increased water volume compared to standard terrariums.
• Waterproof Bottom: The base is watertight, ideal for creating a water feature or deep substrate layers.
• Natural Root Background: Many models come with a unique root background that provides climbing opportunities and simulates a natural banyan tree-root environment. This can also be used for creating waterfalls or background irrigation systems.
• Dual Front Opening Doors: Allows for easy access for maintenance, feeding, and decorating, while a specialized lock prevents escapes. The doors can be opened separately.
• Full Screen Top Ventilation: The stainless steel mesh top allows for optimal UVB and infrared penetration and is completely removable for easy access.
• Wire/Tube Inlets: Features multiple closable inlets on the back of the screen cover for installing pumps, filters, heaters, sensors, and other accessories.
• Raised Bottom Frame: Allows for the mounting of a substrate heater to warm a portion of the land area.

Setup Ideas:

• Three Zones: The paludarium is designed to incorporate three zones:
  • Terrestrial Zone: A land area that never submerges, suitable for plants, rocks, and hides.
  • Riparian Zone: The interface between land and water, often featuring smaller pebbles, flat wood, or stone.
  • Aquatic Zone: The water body, resembling a forest stream or pond.
• False Bottom: A false bottom is often used in the aquatic section to support the land section, hide equipment like filters and pumps, and act as a biological filtration media.
• Water Features: The design facilitates creating waterfalls or cascading streams using a submersible pump (like the Exo Terra Cascade High Performance Pump) to circulate water from the top down to the reservoir.
• Planting: Live plants and moss are crucial for aesthetic appeal and contribute to biological filtration. Lichen, ferns, vines, bromeliads, orchids, and epiphytic plants thrive in these humid environments.

What Can Be Kept In It?

This size (Mini Extra Tall) is suitable for smaller, arboreal (tree-dwelling) and semi-aquatic species that benefit from both land and water elements. Examples include:

• Tree frogs (e.g., green tree frogs, dart frogs)
• Smaller arboreal geckos (e.g., day geckos, crested geckos, leaf-tailed geckos)
• Smaller semi-aquatic invertebrates or amphibians that don't require extensive swimming space.
• Certain smaller species of tree boas or pythons (though always confirm specific species needs and appropriate enclosure sizes with reliable care sheets).

Considerations:

• Filtration: An effective filtration system is crucial for maintaining water quality in the aquatic section. Live plants and moss also contribute to natural filtration.
• Humidity: The enclosed nature and water feature help maintain high humidity, which is vital for many inhabitants.
• Lighting and Heating: Appropriate lighting (including UVB if necessary for your inhabitants) and heating elements (like substrate heaters) will be needed.
• Ventilation: While it has good top ventilation, ensure proper airflow to prevent stagnant air, especially for species sensitive to it.
• Escape Prevention: The dual doors and locking mechanism are designed to prevent escapes, but always double-check security.