Ambystoma mavortium outdoor enclosure

[merk199]

I am thinking about an outdoor enclosure for Ambystoma mavortium. First is anyone up north keeping them outside? The avg temps in Massachusetts range from 14F-84F(-10C to 29C). I would be keeping them on a second floor balcony that only gets direct sun for 3 hrs max a day. I have read some threads in this forum where the keeper has been successful keeping them outdoors at -10C by wrapping the aquarium with a blanket. Wondering if this truly is necessary. I have read Paul's thread on breeding them which BTW is a good read. I am thinking about finding a tank minimum 48'' long, and 25'' deep. Following Paul's guidelines setting up a terrestrial area 30'' long, with a water area 18'' long. I was thinking of making the terrestrial side substrate 15''-18'' deep with a divider seperating the water section equally deep. I am thinking the deeper substrate will allow them to burrow deeper in the winter potentially protecting them more?

Obviously I am still working this idea out. But I am thinking a false bottom 3'' deep so I can ie. drain out the excess water on the terrestrial side, or potentially reuse it in a misting/rain system during the summer months. Any idea of how many tigers could be kept in a tank this size. Personally I would like to be able to keep two pairs of tigers, so maybe a 48'' long tank isn't big enough. The end game is I would like to take a crack at trying to breed them.

Thoughts and ideas are appreciated.

 

[Wolferic]

Sounds like a good plan though maybe a built structure as described in another forum with a lid instead of glass? I forget whos thread it was but its in the tiger sally part in the later pages with a outside enclosure using a pond liner of some sort in the enclosure? I myself Am contemplating one of these set ups as well but because i live in Canada i will have it in my outside shed because the outside temps can reach -30 something or lower with the windchill so a shed will help with or styrofoam insulating around a enclosure.. not sure yet in my stages so this year I will just make it and do tests with a inner thermometer to test what the temps are at my winters coldest so not to loose any Sallys due to poor judgement lol Anyhow good luck. let us know how it goes:>

 

[merk199]

Its sad but I can't get the idea out of my head. I am open to alternative structures besides an aquarium so if you can post or PM the link that would work. Not quite sure I am envisioning the type of structure you are talking about. I have been considering enclosing all but the top of the aquarium in EPS year round. With the front panel able to be easily removed for viewing. I am wondering if that will hold the temps a little more stable. I am also wondering if the deeper substrate will provide more protection in the extreme heat and cold of the winter.

 

[Wolferic]

Yep deeper Substrate for sure and even a wider enclosure I would have it at least 3 feet deep for substrate and just as wide.. have it against your apartment on the balcony this way he will burrow where its warmest and having the top on to keep i warmer even better since being on the balcony you probably wont have the rain going in anyhow.. Im going to make mine then show you.. hope you do the same:>

 

[merk199]

On the balconey it will be exposed to the rain/snow. I chose this balconey for that reason. Cover will be similiar to Dawn's cover in the outsdoor vivaria section except I will probably use acrylic window screen. I want raining falling on my guys. Just curious where do you come up with the three feet deep.

 

[Wolferic]

Most of the stuff i have read about them in the wild says they like to stay in abandoned burrows 2-3 feet deep.. so add in another foot for depth for good measure and away you go lol.. Then if you have a breeding pair make the pond/vernal pool. like a foot or so deep to 16 inches deep in there on the down slope of your enclosure and you should be good to go.. Make it out of pool liner not glass or plastic that may crack due to the ice and then once the thaw comes.. it may trigger the Sallys and then you have your own vernal pool ready to rock and roll:> Just make sure your neighbors above can't drop any harmful stuff into your set up and it should be all good.