Terrariums for Humidity, Water, and Plants
Are you looking for terrariums for humidity control? These types of terrariums have become very popular, especially for aquarium enthusiasts who are constantly dealing with the problem of how to maintain constant humidity levels in their tanks. Humidity can be dangerous for both fish and their live plants. Over-watering your plants can result in diseases and death – just something to think about when deciding on a type of terrarium for your own home aquarium. On the flip side, too much humidity can also make the gravel in your fish tank look unattractive and can damage some types of live coral.
How to maintain terrariums in a perfect humidity level? It’s not advisable to keep any form of humidification in an aquarium, because it can cause fungal plant growth and therefore problems with plant health. But if you’re simply keeping a planted aquarium just to provide your fish with a little decoration, then maintaining the substrate (fish gravel, moss, sand) damp at all times is highly recommended. This is because water evaporates from water-logged surfaces very quickly, causing dead plant materials to slough off into the water.
To prevent evaporation from taking place, keep your terrarium plants out of direct sunlight and, if possible, keep them in rooms with mildew-free air. You can buy kits that contain air filters that are designed specifically to remove excessive moisture from the air. These filters will also keep excess moisture from collecting on the filter media itself. If possible, always use a humidifier or dehumidifier to monitor the humidity level in your terrarium.
Humidity is particularly problematic in planted terrariums for several reasons. The first is that plants are essentially natural plant humus, and their own biology demands a lot of water in order to grow optimally. When you don’t replenish the water that they need, your plant leaves will become coated with a waxy, slimy layer that prevents water from permeating the leaf surface. As a result, photosynthesis becomes inhibited, resulting in lower plant productivity. On the other hand, too much water in the terrarium can also cause phytoplankton to die off, as they rely on dissolved oxygen in the water for their survival.
So how do you solve these problems? The answer is simple: use artificial lighting. Artificial lights can be strategically placed around your aquarium to ensure the proper amount of indirect light is available to your plants, even during periods when the terrarium is not in use. This way, they won’t be subjected to high levels of humidity while the terrarium is both inactive and unused. The same strategy should work for any other porous material in your terrarium, such as gravel, sand, and planter boxes.
Another option to address high humidity problems is to supplement your terrarium with water misting devices. Water misting systems can either be attached to your terrarium directly or as part of a humidifier. They are especially useful for growing terrarium plants because they rapidly increase the water circulation within the environment. This means more evaporation and less humidity buildup. Many misting systems come with multiple spray heads to further distribute the water mist throughout the area.
Finally, it’s also important to know when to replace the terrarium. Just as plants require water, so too do animals in your terrarium. Excessive humidity can kill bacteria and hamper growth; replacing terrariums regularly with dehumidifiers or water misting systems can help prevent this. Replacement should be done monthly during the warmer months and once a month during the cooler months.
It’s important to know your terrariums for humidity, water, and plants. Properly caring for your aquarium and terrariums will enhance both your enjoyment and profitability. If you aren’t sure how to care for your environment, consult with local experts. You can find many good books at your library or online about how to best care for your plants, animals, and even your terrariums. With a little bit of effort, you can have a beautiful and healthy home environment that you’ll enjoy for years to come.