Whats the difference?

Faequine · #1 06-03-2010, 10:08 AM

As i explore the forums more, i am learning that there is many different ways to create a home for whatever you are housing. but i don't understand all the differences, in fact the seem the same at times. Can you help sort the confusion?

Grimm · #2 06-03-2010, 10:34 AM

Are you talking about the diferences of a terrarium, vivarium, or paludarium to eachother? Or about the backgrounds and false bottoms created for our tank?

Im assuming the latter....

Backgrounds are typically made from expanding foam or large foam pieces that are then carved to the desired shape. Usually the biggest differences between tanks is the method used to cover up the foam. There are a ton of different ways but the most common is by using silicone, then sticking co-co fiber or peat moss to it. Another method is adding a glue, or binder, into a mix of substrate, then coating the background in the mixture. Painting, concrete, and grout are also different methods. The chosen method usually depends on what you wish the end result to look like, feel like, and how resistant to wear you want it to be.

As for the substrate sections, it depends if you are building a vivarium, or paludarium. Most vivs have false bottoms. In other words, a false bottom is a structure to "raise" the substrate above a desired water table level and to prevent it from becomming water logged. Another method of lifting the substrate is by adding a 2-4" thick layer of aquarium gravel, or lica balls. This is common practice but doesnt allow for water flow as well as having a false bottom does.

I could keep on writing but I'm not quite sure if I am on the right track that you want me to be on haha.

EsotericForest · #3 06-26-2010, 08:09 PM

Well I'd be curious to hear more since this is all fairly new to me

. What is the different between a vivarium, a paludarium, and a terrarium?

aquariumreef · #4 06-26-2010, 11:21 PM

Terrarium: A enclosure to house plants.
Vivarium: A enclosure that has a living thing in it.
Paludarium: An enclosure that is about 50%+ water.

Aquarium reef

EsotericForest · #5 06-27-2010, 08:42 AM

See what I find confusing as well is on dictionary.com it says this for "terrarium"

Quote:

1. a vivarium for land animals ( distinguished from aquarium).
2. a glass container, chiefly or wholly enclosed, for growing and displaying plants.

It seems to contradict itself haha

beckdg · #6 06-27-2010, 09:32 AM

aquarium and terrarium can and will be used by manufacturers as a way to describe the glass box they're selling/making. the aquarium in this case can be filled to the top with water.

for the most part aquarium reef has it right. pretty good explanation for short but sweet.

dictionary dot com is also somewhat right... just misleading in the description.

exo-terra's are terrariums before we fill them for example. then they can be terra, palu, ripa, etc. once they're finished.

EsotericForest · #7 06-27-2010, 11:44 AM

Alright, I think I'm starting to get it. Thanks

Greg H. · #8 06-30-2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckdg

exo-terra's are terrariums before we fill them for example. then they can be terra, palu, ripa, etc. once they're finished.

Just a side note-

Exo-terra are ok, but do you know of folks that make slightly larger models - perhaps with partial or full glass tops to keep humidity higher?

beckdg · #9 06-30-2010, 05:05 PM

depends where you're from unless you don't mind paying shipping.

Greg H. · #10 07-02-2010, 11:32 AM

If it is a decent piece of equipment, I don't mind paying shipping.

OTOH, if there are plans to build something similar ( to include the pieces that are proprietary ) I wouldn't even mind building one, I can get all the glass locally - it's just trying to find the other wise almost trivial parts ( that make the difference between a converted aquarium and a great vivarium ) that drives me nuts.