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How to Set Up a Paludarium for Aquatic Species
Exotic

How to Set Up a Paludarium for Aquatic Species

This paludarium guide explains simple steps for paludarium setup and paludarium care for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. Choose the right enclosure size and material, and make sure seals and ventilation suit high humidity. Set the correct water to land ratio for your animals, for example 70% water/30% land for mostly aquatic species or 50/50 for amphibians. Use strong filtration, cycle the water for 4 to 6 weeks, and test water regularly to keep ammonia and nitrite at zero. Keep tropical water between 22 and 28°C and humidity around 70 to 90 percent, and provide suitable lighting and UVB where needed. Plant with Anubias, Java fern, bromeliads and mosses to help humidity and water quality. Do daily checks, weekly tests and monthly partial water changes, and avoid common mistakes like skipping the cycle, overstocking, poor filtration, unsafe materials and stagnant water. Follow these steps to create a stable, natural paludarium that supports healthy animal behaviour and long term care.

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  • How to Set Up a Terrarium for Burrowing Species
    Exotic

    How to Set Up a Terrarium for Burrowing Species

    Burrowing terrarium guide for burrowing species like burrowing frogs, desert tortoises, burrowing reptiles and some snakes. Choose a low, long enclosure with a deep, diggable substrate layer (10–15 cm for small species, 20–30 cm or deeper for larger burrowers). Use coconut fibre, coco coir, topsoil, sphagnum moss or excavator clay and add a drainage layer for high humidity or bioactive setups. Provide gentle ventilation, a thermal gradient with heat mats or ceramic heaters, and two thermometers to check warm and cool zones. Keep humidity at species-appropriate levels (tropical 60–80%, desert 20–40%) with misting, live plants and a shallow water dish. Add hides, logs and buried food for enrichment and use low UVB for some reptiles while avoiding strong light for most amphibians. Do daily spot checks, weekly cleaning and monthly deep cleaning, and make sure substrate depth, temperature and humidity suit the species to avoid common problems like impaction, mould or overheating.

  • An Owner’s Guide to Keeping the Fantasy Horned Frog
    Exotic

    An Owner’s Guide to Keeping the Fantasy Horned Frog

    Fantasy horned frog care and facts. The fantasy horned frog is a captive-bred hybrid, usually a cross between Ceratophrys cranwelli and C. cornuta. Adults reach about 10–15 cm and can live 8–12 years with proper care. They are heavy, terrestrial ambush predators that spend much time buried in damp substrate and strike quickly at prey. Use a glass terrarium, deep moisture-retaining substrate (8–12 cm), minimal decor and a humid 60–80% environment. Keep temperatures around 24–28°C by day and 20–22°C at night. Feed large insects and earthworms, size no bigger than the frog’s mouth; juveniles eat every 2–3 days, adults every 4–7 days. Avoid frequent handling, watch for obesity, impaction and infections, and keep hygiene and feeding habits correct. Breeding is best left to experienced keepers and hybrids must never be released into the wild. Buy captive-bred animals from reputable breeders and label hybrids clearly.

  • The Complete Guide to Keeping Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas
    Exotic

    The Complete Guide to Keeping Mexican Red Knee Tarantulas

    Mexican Red Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii) is a calm, colourful New World tarantula popular with beginners. Basic tarantula care: a shallow, well ventilated terrestrial enclosure with floor space 2–3 times the leg span (adult minimum about 30 x 30 x 30 cm), 8–12 cm of coco fibre or chemical-free soil, a hide and a shallow water dish. Keep temperature around 22–26°C and humidity about 60–70% with good ventilation. Feed suitable prey (crickets, locusts, dubia roaches) on a schedule: spiderlings every 3–5 days, juveniles once or twice weekly, adults every 7–10 days, and remove uneaten food. Handling is not recommended; they can flick urticating hairs and can be injured by falls. Females live 20–30 years and males 5–7 years. They are solitary and must be kept alone. Mexican Red Knees are covered by CITES, so buy captive-bred animals from reputable sellers and keep any required paperwork.

  • How to Set Up a Terrarium for Arboreal Species
    Exotic

    How to Set Up a Terrarium for Arboreal Species

    Arboreal terrarium setup for arboreal reptiles and amphibians like frogs, geckos and anoles. Use a tall, vertical glass or PVC enclosure with good front and top ventilation and plenty of branches, vines and textured backgrounds for climbing and hiding. Create a drainage layer and use moisture-retentive substrates such as coconut fibre, orchid bark and leaf litter, add live plants for cover and humidity, and mist daily or use an automatic mister. Provide warm upper zones and cooler lower zones, shallow water dishes, low-level UVB and safe heat sources, and consider a bioactive setup with springtails and isopods for natural waste breakdown. Check temperature and humidity daily, clean and trim plants regularly, avoid short tanks, overcrowding and unsafe treated wood, and only add animals once the terrarium is fully stable.

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