A terrarium seeks to reproduce the conditions of a natural environment to allow certain animals to live inside.
A terrarium is a closed and controlled space that aims to reproduce the characteristics of the environment in which certain living beings live. In this way, the aim is to facilitate the survival of animals in this type of captivity.
Terrariums can be built with different materials , such as glass, wood or polyvinyl chloride. One of the sides of the terrarium must be transparent so that it is possible to observe, from the outside, what is happening inside.
Objectives of a terrarium
The objective of the terrarium, ultimately, is to imitate the conditions of the natural environment so that animals - usually reptiles or insects - can survive. These containers usually have instruments that allow you to control the temperature , humidity level and light to offer the animals an environment similar to what they would find in nature.
When these conditions are not adequately controlled, the stress experienced by the animal grows and affects its health. It is also important to consider the different characteristics of each species: for example, knowing whether it is better for them to live alone, in pairs or in groups.
As terrariums have a small surface area, it must be guaranteed that the animal can carry out some type of physical activity. Otherwise, a sedentary lifestyle will also affect your health.
In botany, a terrarium is a small greenhouse.
Classification according to type
There are several types of terrariums that can be found on the market, although there are three fundamental groups into which they are divided:
– Aquaterrarium . As its name already indicates, it is a perfect mix between a terrarium and an aquatic space, as it has two clearly delimited areas: the dry one, where there may be rocks for example, and the one with water. This type is especially suitable for animals such as turtles.
– Desert terrarium . If it is called that, it is because what it aims to achieve is neither more nor less than exemplifying and recreating what the environment that exists in deserts would be like, since it is aimed at housing animals that live in said habitat. Stones and cacti are essential elements in this type of spaces, which must have temperatures of up to 40º and must be dry. It is especially indicated for living beings such as lizards, for example.
– Tropical terrarium . This other type of terrarium is responsible for exemplifying the environment that exists in the tropical areas of the planet, which means that it must have a significant number of vegetation and elements that release water, such as waterfalls. All of this results in terrariums where both high temperatures and high humidity must exist at all times. It should be the option that owners of pets such as iguanas opt for.
The terrarium as a greenhouse
In the context of botany , a small greenhouse that is usually used for the cultivation of tropical and subtropical species is called a terrarium. For this, the temperature is maintained high, as is the humidity level.
The idea of terrariophilia covers the design, start-up and maintenance of terrariums and also refers to the hobby focused on these tasks.