r/bizzariums

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share my latest micro-paludarium build. It sits right at 20cm × 15cm × 26cm (roughly 2 gallons total volume).

I built this specifically for a single Batik Crab (*Metasesarma aubryi*) named Pandora. Since they are highly terrestrial forest-dwellers that prefer land over water, I went with a heavy 90% land to 10% shallow water split.

**A few notes on how I'm managing this micro-setup:**

* **The Inhabitant:** Pandora is currently small and a completely solo resident, so there are no territory or crowding issues.

* **Security Lock:** Because the driftwood arch reaches the top pane and these guys are climbing geniuses, I built a custom 3mm acrylic lid that is heavily weighted down with thick slate stone rocks on top. She isn't escaping this one!

* **Water Maintenance:** Because the water footprint is only 10% of a nano tank, I know it can foul quickly. I do regular manual siphons and water refreshes every few days with conditioned freshwater to keep things immaculate.

* **Flora:** Running a *Fittonia albivenis* (nerve plant) and some creeping vines. We will see if she decides to play landscape gardener and chop them down, but for now, they are thriving!

Would love to hear your thoughts on the hardscape layout or any recommendations for clean, crab-safe veggies I can offer her in a tiny setup!