How can you tell the difference between a terrarium and an aquarium?

Question

We are looking at a used 125 gallon tank and want to be sure that it's not a terrarium.

Answer 1

Read BIGgourami's post. He has the right answer to your question.

Answer 2

Aquariums have water.....Terrariums have dirt

Answer 3

A terrarium is normally for animals that require very little water, it will be long and have a wire mesh top.

An aquarium could also be long but if you are buying it used make sure that 1) it doesn't leak you can do that by checking the end seals and you;ll see if it is ripped or has been replaced. 2) It should come with a topper that has a light fixture capability. The topper for a fish tank can sometimes be more expensive than the tank itself. Before you buy this tank look at complete set ups from the pet store it may be less expensive in the long run then buying everything separately.

Good luck

Answer 4

an aquarium is full of water

while terrarium got landscape with plants, dirt, rocks and some put water like a pool inside the aquarium like a paradise

Answer 5

the actual container is the same. it's what you put in that makes the difference. if you put in water and fish then it's an aquarium. if you fill it with dirt and plants and possibly reptiles or amphibians, then it's a terrarium

Answer 6

An aquarium will be all glass or acrylic, but most terrariums have mesh for one or more of the sides.  If it says it holds water it's most likely an aquarium.  If it already has dirt and plants in it it is obviously a terrarium.

Answer 7

look at the sizes of the tank.. where the 2 glass pieces come together..

is the glass thick? 1/2 inch or so

and a think application of sealant

also check for cross braces along the top of the tank. an aquairum will have at least 3, a terrarium may have as few as 1 or none

if so it's an aquarium

the lid has nothing to do with anything. you can get a mesh lid for an aquarium

they are NOT the same thing

terrariums are no meant to hold water and are made with thinner glass

you fill a 125 gallon terrarium with water and in no time you'll have 125 gallons of water on the floor

Answer 8

The container/tank doesn't matter.  An aquarium is a container with water and aquatic life.  A terrarium is kind of like a miniature jungle, plants, critters like bugs, frogs, lizards, and possibly a small pool in it.

If it's been used as a terrarium, it's not a good idea to use it as an aquarium.

Be aware that it's very easy to cause a leak in a tank this large when moving it.  You want to be sure it doesn't already have a leak.

Answer 9

The container has no difference, except maybe the aquarium will have a light and hood, while the terrarium might have a grill or mesh cover.  The difference between an aquarium and a terrarium is what's inside.  An aquarium is filled with water, while a terrarium has terrain or soil, water, plants, etc.. Both use the same glass container, or as we call it, aquarium.