Alpine newt setup?)

[desertiguana]

I have been debating whether or not to setup an alpine newt tank. I would like to see some tanks so I can guess how much a setup can cost and what it should look like.

 

[Molch]

it can be very simple:

- a 20 ga tank for 3-4 adults (20 $ at Petco or 5 $ at garage sale)
- bare bottom, but plants (hornwort, java moss, java fern) - get from other hobbyists or a few $$ at pet store
- a sponge filter on an air pump (ca. 20 $ for both)
- a lid for the tank (10 $)
- a thermometer (2.50 $)
- a small 15 or 20 watt light (20 $) or diffuse window light (0 $)
- a piece of cork bark for an island, or some rock protruding above water

 

[desertiguana]

Does it have to be bare bottom?

 

[Molch]

oh not at all - it's just that bare bottom is the simplest to set up.

I am converting the tank of my young alpines to a Walstad setup, with soil under a gravel/sand layer and densely planted.

Others may prefer a thin layer of sand.

If you use a substrate, don't make it too thick, esp. if you don't have many plants rooted in it. That can create pockets of anaerobic decay which could foul up your water. I'd do no more than an inch of gravel/sand.

some people would advise against gravel because of a potential risk the newts might swallow a piece, but I don't believe alpine newts are known to be gravel gulpers like some other species.

 

[desertiguana]

Thank you for the help

 

[modestum]

I have a 20 gallon long, I use a thin layer of sand on mine and a canister filter that runs through the mesh screen and duct taped any remaining opening that caused. They will climb out any opening.

I would suggest a densely planted tank. They really seem to enjoy floating hornwort! (there is a nice gentleman on the forum that sells it for cheap)

They like cool water, so make sure you have the ability to keep the tank cool <65 F

I love my alpines, i find them to be more fun than my axies.