What is the Difference Between a Terrarium and an Aquarium?
The terrarium and aquarium are microcosms of the natural world, recreated in clear glass or plastic. Both terrariums and aquariums typically have a rectangular shape, but they can be virtually any shape. The basic difference between a terrarium and aquarium is water. An aquarium is filled with water and contains fish and other aquatic life. A terrarium, on the other hand, may contain some water, but it is generally not filled with water. Terrariums typically have soil, rocks, and plants and are built for terrestrial life like snakes, lizards, and frogs.
The modern terrarium and aquarium can trace their history directly to Dr. Nathaniel Ward, an English physician and amateur botanist. In the early 1800’s Dr. Ward created a terrarium by accident. He had been out gathering cocoons and plant samples, and placed the cocoons in a covered glass jar. After a few days he noticed that there were tiny plants growing in the jar, next to the cocoons. Enthralled by what he saw, he began to construct terrariums to study ecosystems in miniature.
Today, the terrarium and aquarium are as popular as ever. There are so many different styles of each little world. It is possible to recreate almost any eco-system, with the possible exception of an alpine climate. Aquariums can be freshwater, saltwater, or brackish water (water that has a salinity level somewhere between fresh and saltwater). Both terrariums and aquariums are filled with environmentally appropriate flora and fauna. Sticks, branches, leaves, and other plants are generally included in terrariums while things like fake castles, water plants, and coral or coral-like objects fill aquariums. There are large and small terrariums and aquariums, terrariums in a jar, aquariums on the wall, and everything in between.
Studies have shown that terrariums, and especially aquariums, evoke a sense of peace in their surroundings. Our heart rates have been measured to noticeably decrease when we are in a room that has an aquarium. The process of creating a terrarium has said to have soothing effects on the creator.
Written by E.D. Bickford
