Paludariums Have Room For More Than Just Fish

by Summer Davis

Published: September 27th, 2016

paludariums have room for more than just fish

Who says an aquarium is just for fish? A paludarium can house a host of animals and plants that takes on the feel of your very own exotic wetland!

If you are the kind of person who wants to have an aquarium, but be a little different, a paludarium might be just the thing you’re looking for. A paludarium is an aquarium that encompasses both aquatic and terrestrial aspects, and can house several types of animals. Fish, lizards, frogs, and insects can all be included in this set-up (providing the inhabitants all get along). It also offers the option to grow plants both submerged (under water) and immersed (above water).

In terms of plants, a paludarium becomes quite beautiful when the flora is live. Aquatic plants that are allowed to grow up and out of the surface of the water will often take on a new appearance, and many even flower. When having this kind of set-up, it is important to keep the humidity high with a tight fitting lid that will decrease the amount of evaporation. If the plants are primarily aquatic, the leaves must be kept in a moist environment so they do not dry out. If a portion of the paludarium is dry land, then terrestrial plants can be incorporated as well.

Fauna in a paludrium can vary from small frogs, lizards, and salamanders to fish, or even insects. When adding living creatures into the paludarium, you need to fish consider the food chain. If one is a natural predator of another, don’t force them to become roommates. Often, a single larger fish, or a pair of fish, is sufficient; however, a small school of flashy fish can also be a welcome addition. If mixing species, ample research must be done in advance. Or, better yet, stick to one type of fauna per paludrium for the best results.

Depending on how you set it up, a paludarium can incorporate features not often seen in aquariums, such as water falls. Using a small pump and a rock scape, the water will trickle and flow down into the main aquatic area of the tank. The sound is peaceful, and many of the inhabitants will enjoy the feature as well. As with any area designed to house living creatures, always be conscious of the temperature of the water, and make sure that it is suited to the inhabitants. How much water flow and depth should also be considered when stocking.

Do you have a paludarium? What’s in your tank? Let me know in the comment section below.

Summer Davis is the mom of three kids, four dogs, and several tanks of fish. She boasts a passion for all animals, whether they are in the water or on land. This fish aficionado has kept many different species in her time, but holds a special place in her heart for wild and domestic bettas. When she’s not talking about fish, Summer “spins” her extra time as the director of a baton twirling organization.

Summer Davis

Summer Davis is the mom of three kids, four dogs, and several tanks of fish. She boasts a passion for all animals, whether they are in the water or on land. This fish aficionado has kept many different species in her time, but holds a special place in her heart for wild and domestic bettas. When she's not talking about fish, Summer "spins" her extra time as the director of a baton twirling organization."

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You may not hear it, but your fish have a way of talking to each other. Even though they don’t make a sound, their actions speak louder than words! Like any living creature, fish have a way of communicating with each other. They communicate for the same reasons as any other animal (or human, for that matter). These include dominance, mating/spawning, playing, hunting and more. However, most fish never make a sound though, so how do they communicate with each other? Let’s explore! Dominance: Fish who live in close proximity with other fish of the same species will often assert dominance to claim territory. This applies to fish in an aquarium and in the wild. Depending on how dense the population is, fish will get downright violent to protect their homes and establish dominance over weaker fish. Cichlids demonstrate dominance by charging at one another, nipping other fish, gaping its mouth, and even locking lips. Bettas flare its gill covers to appear larger and more menacing. Many fish are known to kill others over territories and ranking. Related: Why Toilet Funerals Need To Go Another way that fish send messages to each other is by changing color – sometimes in such subtle ways that a human may not even pick up on the difference. In an aquarium, however, typically the fish in charge will boast the most colorful shades of the bunch. Spawning: When initiating spawning behavior, fish are interesting to watch. Many have a way of almost dancing to attract a mate, and it is quite a sight to behold. Many males will brighten its colors to attract females, and will show off for them (much like humans!). They build nests to entice the female to a safe place to spawn, and may even nip at her to coax her into its lair. Related: 6 Easy Hacks to Cure Fish Boredom Playing: Fry can often be observed interacting with each other and will initiate what looks like play. Like all animals, the fry are learning through this method of play. Many valuable skills are learned in the beginning of a fish’s life, such as how to find food, how to become the strongest, and how to attract a mate. It is always survival of the fittest, and oftentimes fry will die in the early stages because they lack these important skills. Group Conversation: When all of these ways of communicating apply to a group of schooling fish, it’s much more interesting. Think of a school of tuna in the sea that are not only able to communicate, but can make formations to appear as though they are one large fish instead of hundreds of smaller ones. They learn to watch each other’s cues, and without a second thought, will react to their environment all together, as if they really are one entity. Fish are sometimes over looked because they seem uninteresting at a glance, but observing for a longer period of time and seeing them communicate with one another is absolutely amazing. The fact that they are able to convey a message without a single sound is one of nature’s greatest accomplishments.

Above the Water’s Surface: A Guide to Emersed Plant Growth

A different take on planted tanks, emersed plant life gives your aquarium dimension. Let’s talk about the ins and outs of emersed aquarium plants. Aquarium plants are beautiful beneath the water’s surface, and bring an element of life and natural beauty to any tank. But growing plants above the surface of the water adds an interesting element suited to tanks that are partially land, like a paludarium. First of all, what are emersed plants? Simply stated, it’s when a plant roots beneath the water’s surface and the plant portion grows above the water’s surface. To accomplish this, plants need a few key things to be successful. The first of these elements is light. Plants always require light, so this shouldn’t come as a big surprise. Related: Paludariums Have Room For More Than Just Fish However, lights above aquariums tend to throw off heat, which brings us to our next point – humidity. The plants cannot grow above the water if the environment is dry, so they need a warm and damp area. To accomplish this, a simple glass canopy between the light and the open space above the water usually accomplishes that goal. That is the basics of how to grow plants above the water level, but why would you want to do this? First of all, those who keep paludariums, and even terrariums, know the importance of plant life for aquatic, and amphibian creatures. Not only is it beneficial to provide a natural environment that filters the air and water for the inhabitants, but it is also exceptionally beautiful. Some aquatic plants flower once they reach the water’s surface, like lilies. Related: What Plants Can I Pair with Plant-Eating Fish? Emersed plants are not specifically for aquariums, either. They can bring a gorgeous element to ponds and small outdoor water features as well. Lilies, cattails, various bushes, and some stem plants all fall into this category that can offer an extra element of nature to your backyard pond or water feature. Many of the plants we grow in aquariums are mass grown in an immersed state, but few people realize that these plants are capable of growing out of the water. So next time you’re looking for a new and different project, why not try an emersed plant tank and see just what you can do!

Aquascaping: A Tank of Beauty

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Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

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What Do I Do if My Dog Has a Chipped Tooth?

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Survey Finds America’s Most Dog-Friendly Cities, You May Be Surprise

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Spring is finally upon us! For dog owners, spring is always a welcoming sight as it signals the start of longer walks in the park and more time in the garden. The backyard is usually a fun place for you and your pooch to play and run around. However, certain types of plants are dangerous to dogs and can make your backyard a safety hazard. Experts advise that some spring plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, can be harmful to your pooch and should be avoided at all costs. Some of these plants are known to cause upset stomachs, itching, vomiting, and, in severe cases, even cardiac arrest in dogs. Craig Wilson, co-founder, director, and gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, has listed the toxic flowers and plants you should keep from the home and garden if you have a dog. DaffodilsDid you know that daffodils, one of the most popular heralds of spring, are poisonous to both cats and dogs? These trumpet-shaped flowers contain a toxic compound called lycorine which causes stomach pain and diarrhea when ingested. Bulbs are the most toxic part of the daffodil plant, but dogs can also get sick after consuming the flowers. Even drinking the water from a vase that contains daffodils can cause toxicity in dogs.Tulips All parts of the tulip plant - bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers - are toxic to both cats and dogs. The bulb stores the highest concentration of toxins, making it the most toxic part of the plant. Most dogs will experience drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming tulips. In severe cases, dogs can experience heart problems and difficulty breathing.IrisesColorful and hardy irises are a popular flower in many household gardens. Unfortunately, irises are toxic to dogs and can make your pooch sick if ingested or touched. Irises contain irisin, a toxic compound that triggers tissue irritation when swallowed or touched. The bulbs and rhizomes hold the highest concentration of irisin, making this plant particularly hazardous to dogs who like to dig.Hyacinths Many people like planting hyacinths in their gardens, but these tall and vibrant plants are harmful to dogs. Hyacinths belong to the same family as tulips and contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are present in all areas of the plant and are shaped like needles. When ingested, these crystals can pierce a dog’s soft tissues, causing severe pain.Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning also include diarrhea, vomiting, abnormal breathing, increased heart rate, and convulsions. If you suspect your pooch has ingested any part of the hyacinth plant, take them to the vet as soon as possible. BluebellsAll parts of the bluebell plant contain a toxic compound called glycosides. Not only are bluebells harmful to cats and dogs, but this plant is also toxic to horses and cattle. If any part of the bluebell plant is consumed, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. When eaten in large quantities, bluebells can be fatal.Hydrangeas Many gardeners love the look of hydrangeas in the spring and fall, but dog owners beware - hydrangeas are toxic to dogs. Dogs can become poisoned from eating any part of the hydrangea plant, as they all contain cyanogenic glycoside.Chewing plants with this toxic compound releases cyanide and can result in loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, and increased heart rate. Munching on the flowers, buds, leaves, or bark of the hydrangea plant can make dogs sick, so keep a close eye on your pooch whenever they are sniffing around a hydrangea plant.These are just some of the most common plants that can make your dog sick, but there are more! If your pooch likes to munch on plants, it’s best not to leave them unsupervised in the garden.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Your Cat Itchy? Causes and Treatments for Itching in Cats

Itching, or pruritis, in cats has various causes, so it’s a symptom of multiple problems. Sure, a cat will have an itch they need to scratch every now and then, just like people do. But if you see your cat scratching more than usual, or they’re scratching, licking, or biting themselves so much that they’re losing fur and causing cuts and scabs on their skin, there may be an underlying issue that should be addressed.Whether your cat is scratching at one area or they’re itchy all over, don’t ignore this problem. Read on to learn about some of the causes of itchiness in cats, along with some of the things you can do to provide relief. Remember, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian about your cat’s symptoms so you can give your pet the right treatment.Reasons Why Your Cat Is ItchyHere are some of the conditions that can cause a cat to feel itchy:AllergiesA lot of things can cause an allergic reaction in cats that leads to itchy skin. For example, if your cat is allergic to an ingredient in their food, such as a particular protein, their allergy might manifest as itchiness. As another example, your cat might be allergic to something in the environment, such as dust in the house or pollen that blows in through a window. And some cats have contact allergies to products, from litter to plastic or fabric, that can cause a reaction. The goal is to find the allergen and remove it from your cat’s environment as best as possible. In the case of a food allergy, using food trials with the guidance of your vet can help you figure out what’s causing the reaction so you can start giving your cat food that’s appropriate for them. ParasitesBites from insects and parasites can cause your cat to feel itchy. Fleas and mites are a couple examples. And, yes, indoor cats can get fleas, as they could be brought in from outside and find their way to your feline.When it comes to mites, such as ear mites or mange, your veterinarian can prescribe treatments after performing some tests for an accurate diagnosis.For flea allergy dermatitis caused by flea bites, it’s a matter of eliminating the flea infestation and preventing future infestations. You can use over-the-counter products, such as Frontline Plus for Cats, which is a topical treatment you apply between your cat’s shoulders (where they won’t be able to lick it off). It kills flea eggs, flea larvae, and adult fleas, as well as ticks and chewing lice, and each dose works for a month. But you also need to thoroughly clean your home and your pet’s things to be sure you eliminate fleas in the environment.

Watch This Brave Cat Save Her Dog Sibling from a Coyote Attack

Who said that there is no love between cats and dogs? This touching story proves that some bonds between a cat and a dog are so strong that one would risk their life for the other! The event took place in Edmond, Oklahoma, where a tiny pooch was miraculously saved from a vicious coyote attack– by none other than a feisty cat. At first glance, Oakley, a white Havanese dog, and Binx, a black cat, seem to belong to completely different worlds. But even so, they are family. Lane Dyer, the owner of the two, explains for Oklahoma News how the attack - and the daring rescue - came to be.“I was kind of inspired by it, quite frankly,” she said. The event occurred on November 30th, when the 6-year-old Havanese dog, Oakley, was let outside to go to the bathroom. “Out of nowhere she was attacked by a coyote,” said Dyer. Soon enough, another coyote came rushing.

Amazing Wiener Dog Gives Birth to a Record Breaking Puppy Litter

Puppy litters can certainly be large, but in the case of this brave Wiener dog mom, everyone was taken by surprise! This extraordinary female dachshund brought to the world a litter of no less than 11 puppies – there is definitely potential for a world record here. Winnie, a three-year-old female dachshund, was seemingly a normal pregnant dog, and nobody expected her litter to be this big. Normally, this breed of dog delivers between one and six puppies, but Winnie delivered nearly double that number in September.

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