A bit more planting

The terrarium part; I planted some Anubias afzelii and Anubias 'Petite' as well as some Anubias nana
The Aqua part; I planted Microsorum 'Windelow' and Anubias nana.
I will let this set-up run for a longer while before adding any Sesarma bidens to it. With all those plants, the bacteria/microorganisms will have no problem developing, creating a balanced portable ecosystem for my future Crabs :-) (I took an old sponge out of my established aquarium, that is full of infusoria and nitrifying bacteria, and rinsed it well inside this new paludarium water to jump start the process)

Building up the aquascape...

I decided to scatter around some small granite rocks and I am very pleased with the effect. I also introduced two pieces of bog wood. I am preparing a few more before planting the Java fern and Anubias spp.

This is not the final scape. There is more to come (plants, stones, rocks and mangrove roots). I still have no idea what aqua-terrarium plant I can use that doesn't grow high. I tied some Java moss to stones and placed them on the land/terrace. I also planted a few Java fern baby shots. I will see can they thrive in this kind of set-up. I decided adding no aquatic soil this time, but try planting Anubias spp. maybe. Aquatic soil might be bad for the crabs also, not sure just brain storming here.
The spray bar is directed onto the back wall, creating a mini-waterfall ;-)
There is approx 25 liters of water. I rinsed the filter media from one of my established tanks into this one, to seed some nitrifying bacteria. I am gonna let it run for a week before adding a few Endlers Guppy, or some other small fish, still deciding. I have red that Sesarma bidens can't rally catch faster swimming fish.

Everything is siliconed :-)

All glass is assembled and siliconed. And this is how it looks now;

I used Back to Nature "slim line" backgrounds. It has been cut and siliconed.

Since the Red Clawed Crab is a great escape artist I made sure all big holes are closed for that attempt. Air will still be able to enter.


So far so good. I am waiting for the silicone smell to disappear before adding the water, decor and plants.

Creating my first Paludarium

My first paludarium project has started.
I assembled all the extra glass to create the land zone (terrace). The aquarium is 54 liters capacity, but in this case it will hold hardly more than 22 liters of water.
It has just one fluorescent 15W tube in the hood, so low light plants are the only option.
Click on the drawing to enlarge it, please.