When it comes to keeping nature indoors, hobbyists often choose between an aquarium, terrarium, or paludarium. While all three systems are beautiful and rewarding, each one is designed for different environments and types of life. If you’re new to the hobby, it can be confusing to know which setup is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between paludariums, aquariums, and terrariums, explore their unique benefits, and help you decide which one best suits your space, goals, and experience level.
What is an Aquarium?
An aquarium is a water-filled tank designed specifically for fish, aquatic plants, and other underwater creatures. Aquariums focus entirely on an aquatic environment and typically include:
- A glass or acrylic tank filled with water
- Filtration and circulation systems
- Substrate such as gravel or soil
- Aquatic plants and fish species
Aquariums are ideal if your goal is to showcase underwater life, whether that’s a planted freshwater scape or a colourful saltwater reef.
What is a Terrarium?
A terrarium is a glass enclosure designed for plants and land-based creatures. Unlike an aquarium, a terrarium does not hold water for aquatic life but instead creates a humid, greenhouse-like environment for terrestrial plants.
Common terrarium features include:
- Soil or moss substrate
- Tropical plants such as ferns, orchids, and air plants
- Decorative wood, rocks, or backgrounds
- In some cases, small reptiles or amphibians
Terrariums are best suited to those who want to focus purely on landscapes and humidity-loving plants without the complexity of managing water parameters.
What is a Paludarium?
A paludarium is a hybrid enclosure that combines both aquatic and terrestrial environments in one display. Think of it as a mix between an aquarium and a terrarium.
Paludariums often feature:
- A water section at the base with aquatic plants and fish
- Emergent plants that grow partly submerged and partly above water
- A land or vertical area planted with mosses, ferns, or orchids
- Systems for water circulation, humidity, and sometimes waterfalls or misting units
The Ultum Nature Systems Foresta Paludarium, available in 35E and 60E models, takes this concept further by including integrated filtration, a cascading waterfall wall, and an atomizer misting unit. This makes it easy to create a lush, tropical rainforest ecosystem indoors.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose an Aquarium if your main interest is in fish, shrimp, or coral, and you want a purely underwater environment.
- Choose a Terrarium if you enjoy growing plants in a high-humidity setup without water management, or if you keep small reptiles or amphibians.
- Choose a Paludarium if you want the best of both worlds: a mix of aquatic and terrestrial plants, with the ability to keep fish, shrimp, or amphibians alongside lush greenery.
For many hobbyists, the paludarium is the most versatile choice, offering creative possibilities and a dynamic display that changes over time.
Final Thoughts
Each system — aquarium, terrarium, and paludarium — has its own unique beauty and appeal. The right choice comes down to your goals and the type of life you want to showcase.
If you’re drawn to the idea of a living rainforest inside a glass tank, a paludarium like the UNS Foresta 35E or 60Ecould be the perfect solution. With their built-in filtration, misting, and waterfall systems, these tanks make it easier than ever to enjoy the magic of both water and land in a single, rimless display.
