How to Create a Swamp Terrarium

If you want to change up your gardening routine, try something different and create a swamp terrarium. Create a diverse environment for a small pet, or dream big and create a large environment for a turtle or tree frog.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glass or plastic container
• Lid
• Aquarium gravel
• Sand
• Peat moss
• Water
• Water basin or pool
• Ferns and other plants
• Rocks and sticks
• Garden shears
• Heat lamp
• Pets
• Insects or pet food

1. Select a glass or plastic container and lid suitable for the size of swamp terrarium you need. If you're keeping pets consider their full-grown size when determining the length or height of the container.

2. Mix equal parts aquarium gravel, sand and peat moss. Add water to parts of the mixture to create a swamp bedding and cover the bottom of the terrarium. Leave some areas dry if the pet you select warrants both dry and swamp areas.

3. Position the water basin, and plant ferns and other swamp or tropic-hardy plants in desired locations. Place a rock and sticks or branches in the container if the pet is a climber or needs to find dry land on occasion.

4. Clip the swamp plants with garden shears if needed in order to fit in their locations. Trim them again after growth periods. Use a heat lamp to encourage growth.

5. Add water to the water basin and add your new pets, such as frogs, toads, salamanders or small snakes. Feed them insects or pet food as needed.

6. Adjust the moisture by removing the lid from the container for air--it's good for the plants and overall environment.

7. Clean the swamp terrarium as directed for the type of pet you keep; every week or so should be sufficient.

Tips & Warnings

• If you create a large swamp terrarium for larger pets, like iguanas, consider using artificial plants.
• The larger the pet, the larger the water source you need. If you keep more than one pet or a large pet, like a turtle, increase the size of the pool or basin area of the swamp terrarium.
• When keeping animals, hygiene is important. Take into consideration how easy the terrarium is to clean so you can avoid the growth of dangerous bacteria.