TROPICAL AQUARIUM FISHES 123 
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Tropical terraria, whether moist or dry, are heated artificially from 
below, the heating device being concealed in a false bottom. The heat 
may be applied either to a pan of sand or water or used in the form of a 
miniature hot-water heating system as indicated in figure 75 for heating 
tropical aquaria. The pipes are not carried over the top, but through or 
around the bottom. 
The forms of terraria are quite diverse, according to requirements 
or fancy. Quite a number are divided into two halves, one side contain- 
ing a shallow pool with tall bog plants, the other side being for dry ter- 
restrial plants, the two sometimes being connected by a sloping ladder 
over the division, so that the animals may cross at will. The same 
arrangement is further developed into the aqua-terrarium by having the 
moist side in regular aquarium form and filling about two-thirds deep 
with water. Where tree frogs or other climbing animals are kept there 
should be a ladder or other arrangement to enable them to seek varying 
levels at different times, as this desire seems to be an important part of 
their nature. Tree frogs in some parts of the world are better known as 
“weather frogs.” They are kept where they may either remain in water 
or climb to different levels at will, and are regarded as good barometers 
to foretell approaching weather conditions. Undoubtedly the state of the 
atmosphere has something to do with their movements in this respect. 
Terraria for moths and insects usually have three sides of screen 
and one side of glass for clear observation. 
Aqua-terraria may be considered a higher development of terraria, 
since their possibilities are so much enhanced on account of accommodat- 
ing both terrestrial and aquatic animals and plants. One of the most 
interesting kinds is devoted to the observation of aquatic insects. These 
only contain a few inches of water, in which is planted bog plants, so that 
the leaves stand well out of water. Very few of the aquatic insects 
spend their entire lives in the water and some such provision is needed 
for them. It is important that stones or other creeping-out places be 
provided for turtles, frogs, newts and other amphibians, for it is a great 
cruelty to oblige them to remain constantly in the water. 
Quite artistic effects can be obtained in the arrangement and planting 
of the terrarium and the aqua-terrarium. Natural bridges, lakes, water- 
falls, archways, ledges, hollows, cliffs, caves, and other details may be 
used to good purpose, but care should be exercised not to combine the 
incongruous nor introduce objects out of keeping with the general 
scheme. Stones cemented together are capable of good pictorial effects. 
For moist terraria, pumice or other porous stone will be found useful, as 
it retains so much moisture and makes a good foothold for ferns and 
creeping plants. 
