Compare and Understand the Differences: Terrarium, Vivarium, and Other "Ariums"
Hey there, welcome to the wacky world of brown-titled growing containers! Today we're diving deep into the confusing realms of terrariums, vivariums, and a ton of other containers that all seem to have "arium" in their names. Don't worry, we'll break it down to help you avoid the headache of mixing up one for the other.
Now, you might think calling a terrarium a vivarium (or vice versa) doesn't matter, but in reality, there are some major differences that can make or break your efforts to grow plants and animals.
Getting Down to the Basics: That's What Ariums Said
A terrarium is all about growing plants in a self-contained environment. The term comes from "terra," meaning earth, because it's meant to create and maintain an earthy environment for your green friends. On the other hand, a vivarium is more focused on providing a habitat for animals like lizards, frogs, and insects while still considering plant life to keep the creatures comfortable. The name vivarium comes from "vivere," meaning to live.
5 Key Differences between Terrariums and Vivariums
#1: Setting the StageTerrariums are all about replicating natural environmental processes, while vivariums might use artificial features to mimic the perfect conditions for animals.
#2: Build ItConstructing vivariums requires different materials and methods than terrariums, so following the wrong guidelines can leave you with the wrong container.
#3: A Matter of SurvivalTerrariums and vivariums have very different requirements for humidity, watering, and light levels to keep their inhabitants happy and healthy.
#4: Understanding Your Green FriendsNot all plants that do well in a vivarium will be suitable for a terrarium, as ventilation plays a significant role in vivarium plants' growth. Conversely, those that thrive in a closed terrarium might struggle in a vivarium.
#5: Planting StrategiesVivarium plants are often grouped by type (e.g., foreground plants, carpeting plants), but this approach might not work for larger terrariums.
A Vivarium By Any Other Name...
The term "vivarium" is the odd one out here. While other ariums, like terrarium and aquarium, are specific to what they hold (land or water), "vivarium" is more about the creature's place of life. And since life clearly doesn't translate to an environment, calls for a reevaluation.
To me, the naming comes down to practicality, not pedantic classification. The focus of a terrarium is on creating an environment for plants to thrive, while in vivariums, animals are the priority.
In the End, Let's Chat Ariums
From mossariums to aquariums and beyond, the names don't stop with terrariums and vivariums! Be prepared to learn and get more familiar with a whole slew of other containers tailored to various environments.
- Mossarium - Dedicated to growing different types of moss
- Aquarium - You probably already know what this is
- Oceanarium - A supersized aquarium
- Paludarium - Contains both earth and aquatic elements, ideal for raising semi-aquatic animals like lizards and frogs
- Riparium - Similar to paludariums but focuses more on creating a riverbank environment
And if you dig a little deeper, there are even ariums designed for different animals like insectariums (for bugs), formicariums (ant farms), penguinariums, and dolphinariums!
Long Story Short: What's in a Name?
As long as you're aware of the differences, the names don't have to be a big deal. Go ahead and call your collection of mosses a penguinarium if you want, but stick to proper care practices to ensure your little green (or bubbly blue) friends are happy and healthy.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrarium[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paludarium[3] https://reptilesmagazine.com/reptiles/vivariums[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivarium_(container)[5] https://www.aquascaping-资料库.com/encyclopedia/vivarium/
- In the realm of homemaking and gardening, both terrariums and vivariums are unique growing containers that cater to different lifestyle choices, with terrariums focusing on plant life and vivariums prioritizing the comfort of animals like reptiles and insects.
- For those passionate about creating distinct environments for various plants and creatures, delving into the world of hobby containers like mossariums, aquariums, oceanariums, paludariums, ripariums, insectariums, formicariums, and even penguinariums and dolphinariums can open up a whole new dimension to gardening.
