30 gal paludarium build with all native plants (VA) - planning on adding some Eastern newts soon

[thecreepsandcrawls]

This is my first paludarium build since a 55 gal river tank I had as a teenager. I used pond grade spray foam, coco coir, bark, and silicone to make the "roots", backdrop, and structure for the soil well. The terrestrial element has a rotting log ecosystem with beetles and millipedes living below. All the plants were collected here in Virginia.

I'd like to add up to two efts and two adult Eastern newts. I welcome any feedback or suggestions to make this more inviting for them.

 

[MnGuy]

This is my first paludarium build since a 55 gal river tank I had as a teenager. I used pond grade spray foam, coco coir, bark, and silicone to make the "roots", backdrop, and structure for the soil well. The terrestrial element has a rotting log ecosystem with beetles and millipedes living below. All the plants were collected here in Virginia.

I'd like to add up to two efts and two adult Eastern newts. I welcome any feedback or suggestions to make this more inviting for them.

That looks great! I’ve never kept efts but from everything I’ve read they’re supposed to be kept in a terrestrial setup with access to shallow water. I’d be worried about keeping efts in that tank.

Good luck.

 

[seandelevan]

I’d add some more floating plants like anacharis or dwarf Sagittarius if you want to plant some in the gravel...both native species.I find aquatic newts just don’t simply spend their days swimming back and forth but instead chill on or climbing on underwater vegetation. i think it makes them feel more secure.

 

[thecreepsandcrawls]

I’d add some more floating plants like anacharis or dwarf Sagittarius if you want to plant some in the gravel...both native species.I find aquatic newts just don’t simply spend their days swimming back and forth but instead chill on or climbing on underwater vegetation. i think it makes them feel more secure.

Thanks! I added some more aquatic plants and they seem to enjoy lounging in them.

 

[Cjbond]

This is my first paludarium build since a 55 gal river tank I had as a teenager. I used pond grade spray foam, coco coir, bark, and silicone to make the "roots", backdrop, and structure for the soil well. The terrestrial element has a rotting log ecosystem with beetles and millipedes living below. All the plants were collected here in Virginia.

I'd like to add up to two efts and two adult Eastern newts. I welcome any feedback or suggestions to make this more inviting for them.

Mind explaining the land portion and how you did that? Stacked rocks?

 

[Audrey22]

Fro

That looks great! I’ve never kept efts but from everything I’ve read they’re supposed to be kept in a terrestrial setup with access to shallow water. I’d be worried about keeping efts in that tank.

Good luck.

Yes. From what I have read, efts can drown in the deeper water. You may be able to prevent prevent this by having a TON more plants and maybe ramp structures for them. But I think it would be more fun and less risk to build a second tank. Btw the tank looks super nice.