When you first get started with your new hobby of terrarium plants, you will be thrilled with the idea of using an extra large terrarium jar as a base to hold your fish. However, do not expect to have success simply by putting a couple of rocks on top of the jar and calling it a terrarium. The reason is that the bottom of the jar will inevitably get soaked up by the water during a feeding and you will never be able to keep your fish inside of this “jar” when the weather turns cold.
As long as you are careful about water levels inside the terrarium, there is no reason that you cannot use an extra large terrarium jar as a base for a few fish. But remember that just because the bottom of the jar is now lower than the sides does not mean you can’t keep the plants in there. You just have to make sure that the water level is not higher than the terrarium plants can safely handle. This can be tricky, especially if you have planted several terrarium plants together and are trying to keep them from fighting each other. Water levels must be carefully monitored. But if you are careful and allow your plants to get some sunlight, your terrarium plants should thrive.
So now that you understand why an extra large terrarium jar is not the best way to use for your fish, let us look at some ways that will work much better. One idea is to use a larger terrarium bowl, or even a glass bowl. This will provide the terrarium with more surface area and keep the water from getting so deep inside of the terrarium. Also, this will give the terrarium plants more of a chance to grow and will prevent your fish from freezing in the deep corners of the terrarium.
Another idea that is pretty simple, but works great with many terrarium plants, is to take a plain cardboard box and cut it to the appropriate dimensions. Drill holes into the bottom of the box, and then add a small piece of wood or rock. Drill a few more holes, and then place the cardboard in the bottom of the terrarium. Place some sand inside of the box, and lightly cover it over the cardboard. The terrarium plants will be much easier to keep alive, and will have a bit of extra space to spread out. This terrarium will be larger than the one in the jar, but will still be comfortable for your fish.
An extra large terrarium can be used as a water feature. Use a sturdy water pump, and place it on the outside of the terrarium. Make sure that the pump is securely in place, and that it does not move around too much. Over time, this terrarium will fill up with water, and you will probably want to repot it.
An extra large terrarium jar can be used as a filter system. Place the jar inside of your fish tank, and place the perforated side on top of the terrarium. The terrarium should be filled with rocks, gravel, or pebbles. Over time, this terrarium will filter the water through the filter, and it will be ready for your fish to come in.
There are also times when an extra large terrarium jar can be used as a habitat for breeding species of fish. You will need at least two terrariums for a couple of different species of fish to be able to house them. Place one terrarium inside the terrarium jar, and place a couple of pieces of glass or acrylic sheeting over the terrarium. The terrarium will act as a “desperate” habitat for the fish, and they will eat on the new glass.
Extra large terrarium jars are not only for holding fish. They are also great for housing different types of insects and plants. With your terrarium, you can grow anything from tiny plastic worms to large, live plants. Just make sure that your terrarium is kept relatively clean, because extra moist conditions can make the lives of your terrarium inhabitants even more difficult.