Grow Light for a Paludarium: Land plus Water Zones
A grow light for a paludarium has to reach the plants on the land section plus the area around the water. Penn State Extension notes a paludarium is a hybrid of a terrarium plus an aquarium, with separate areas for land plus water. University of Missouri Extension notes terrariums do well in good light but not direct sun. It advises fluorescent tubes over the glass when the spot is dim, so a lamp on top fills that role.
The short answer
University of Missouri Extension advises supplemental light over a dim terrarium for 16 to 18 hours a day. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension notes standard white fluorescent plus LED lamps suit terraria. Put light loving plants nearest the lamp plus watch for algae.
How much light does a paludarium need?
University of Missouri Extension notes terrariums do not need extremely bright light but do well in good light. Iowa State University Extension advises medium to bright indirect light plus notes heat builds quickly in direct sun.
| Factor | Target | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Good light without direct sun | Add a lamp over the glass |
| Hours | 16 to 18 for supplemental light | Use a timer |
| Lamp | White fluorescent or LED | Either suits terraria |
| Moisture | Some condensation | Crack the lid if it builds up |
Source: University of Missouri Extension plus University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.
How do you light both land plus water areas?
Mount the lamp over the glass so light spreads across the tank. Put the most light hungry plants on the land section nearest it. Iowa State University Extension advises grouping plants that tolerate the same light plus moisture levels so no corner falls short.
How long should the light run?
University of Missouri Extension advises running supplemental light 16 to 18 hours a day for terrariums. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension notes algae plus fungi can thrive in terraria. When algae spreads on glass or water, cut the hours plus check plants for stretching.
How to: step by step
- Choose a white LED sized to the tank.
- Mount it above the glass.
- Put light hungry plants nearest the lamp.
- Set a timer for a steady day length.
- Watch for algae in the water plus on glass.
- Tweak hours or height as plants grow.
Troubleshooting
Algae on glass: too much light. Shorten the hours.
Leggy land plants: too little light. Lower the lamp.
Heavy fog on the lid: too much moisture. Vent the lid.
For more on lighting see grow lights for cannabis, grow light timers, optimal lighting for growing indoors plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks seeds for indoor growers.
Sources
- Terrariums (G6520), MU Extension
- How to create and care for a terrarium, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- The terrarium: an oasis of humidity for plants (AZ2050), University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
- How to create a closed terrarium, Penn State Extension
FAQ
Can a paludarium sit in a sunny window?
Not in direct sun. University of Missouri Extension advises against putting closed containers in full sun. Iowa State University Extension notes heat can build up quickly when light is too intense. A bright window without direct sun plus a lamp above the glass gives steady light.
How many hours should a paludarium lamp run?
University of Missouri Extension advises supplemental light 16 to 18 hours a day for terrariums. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension notes algae plus fungi can thrive in terraria. Use a timer plus cut the hours if algae spreads on the glass.
Which plants suit the land section?
Iowa State University Extension advises small plants with slow growth plus small leaves. It notes the key is choosing plants that tolerate the same moisture plus light. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension notes terraria suit small, shade loving plants that do not need regular pruning to fit.
Why does condensation build on the glass?
Iowa State University Extension notes water moves from soil to leaves, then condenses on the glass plus runs back down. If condensation builds up, it advises cracking the lid to cut the excess moisture. University of Missouri Extension notes no condensation at all can mean the plants need water.
Does the tank glass affect the light?
Yes. University of Missouri Extension notes tinted or cloudy glass greatly reduces light plus interferes with plant growth. It advises clear glass or plastic. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension agrees that tinted glass reduces light entry, so wipe the glass clean plus choose a clear tank.
