Complete Shopping List Paludarium SGD 800 Guide: Land and Water
A paludarium combines aquatic and emersed planting in one tank, and Singapore’s high ambient humidity makes it the most low-maintenance of the specialist scape styles. The complete shopping list paludarium below covers an 60cm split land-water build at SGD 800 with mist system, dual lighting and live plants for both zones. This guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park is the exact cart we walk first-time paludarium builders through — every item priced for Singapore retail, with the climate’s humid baseline doing half the work for you.
Tank: SGD 180
A 60cm rimless cube tank (60x40x40cm, 96 litres) at SGD 120-160 from the aquarium tank range gives roughly 50/50 land-water split potential. Larger tanks (75cm or 90cm low-profile) work better for elaborate emersed planting but stretch budget. Add a glass top or mesh cover at SGD 25-40 to retain humidity. Total SGD 180.
Mist System: SGD 120
A small ultrasonic fogger at SGD 30-50 generates ambient mist for terrestrial plants. For automated misting, the MistKing Starter Kit at SGD 280-340 is the gold standard but stretches budget. Mid-tier: a generic 4-nozzle reptile misting system at SGD 100-130 with timer. Total SGD 120 for the mid-tier kit.
Lighting: SGD 130
Paludariums need stronger lighting than fish-only tanks because emersed plants on the land section receive light through more air than water. A Chihiros C2 Pro Mini at SGD 130-160 covers a 60cm split paludarium with full spectrum and ramping. Browse the aquarium light range. Allocate SGD 130.
Filtration: SGD 80
Aquatic-section filtration only — no need for a 60-litre canister. A small HOB filter (Aquaclear 30 or Seachem Tidal 35) at SGD 60-90 handles the water portion cleanly. The water section in a paludarium is typically only 20-40 litres of actual water volume. Total SGD 80.
Hardscape (Land Structure): SGD 80
This is where paludariums diverge from aquariums. You need 4-6kg of porous lava rock at SGD 8-12/kg or pumice for the land base structure (SGD 40-60), plus epoxy putty or aquarium silicone (SGD 15-25) to bond rock walls. Add 1-2 pieces of spider wood (SGD 25-40) crossing both zones. Total SGD 80.
Substrate: SGD 80
The water section uses inert sand or fine gravel (3-4kg at SGD 15-25). The land section uses ABG mix (Atlanta Botanical Garden mix — coir, peat, charcoal, bark) at SGD 30-50 for a 5L bag, or a DIY mix at SGD 15-25. Add a layer of sphagnum moss between the two zones for moisture wicking — SGD 8-12 per bag. Total SGD 80.
Plants: SGD 120
Aquatic side (5-6 species): submerged stems, mosses, Cryptocoryne — SGD 50-60. Emersed/land side (8-10 species): Bucephalandra, Anubias above water, Pilea, Fittonia, Marcgravia, climbing Ficus pumila, Selaginella — SGD 60-80. Local terrarium specialists like Carousell sellers stock unique tropical species. Total SGD 120.
Heater and Test Kit: SGD 50
A 50W heater for the water section at SGD 25-35 — Singapore ambient often handles paludarium temperature without one but a backup helps. Test kit (basic API liquid) SGD 25-30. Total SGD 50.
Misc and Initial Livestock: SGD 60
Paludariums host small fish, dart frogs (regulated in SG — check NParks), hermit crabs or just be plant-only. Conservative: 6-8 Endler’s Livebearers or a small school of Chili Rasboras at SGD 4-6 each (SGD 30-40 total). Add 5-6 cherry shrimp (SGD 4-5 each). Total SGD 60.
Budget Summary: Where the SGD 800 Goes
Tally: tank SGD 180, mist SGD 120, light SGD 130, filter SGD 80, hardscape SGD 80, substrate SGD 80, plants SGD 120, heater/test SGD 50, livestock SGD 60 — total SGD 900. Trim to SGD 800 by skipping the automated mist (manual hand spray works for small tanks) and using a budget HOB filter (saves SGD 100 combined). Where to splurge: light (drives both submerged and emersed growth) and tank cover (humidity retention). Where to save: misting (manual), heater (often unneeded), filter (small HOB is plenty). Pair with the right water conditioner for the aquatic section.
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