Ambystoma tigrinum larvae tips?

[Princess Cocoa]

Hello there. C: I'm new to the forums and I hope I didn't post in the wrong area but, I was cleaning out my Paddle Tail/Pachytriton labiatus tank when I saw something swim by. I thought it was nothing so I kept removing the gravel to replace with a sand substrate. Well I saw the same thing swim by again, I managed to catch it and I was totally flabbergasted on what it was. I thought it was a Mud Puppy, but, those don't live in Florida.
Finally I figured out it's a Tiger Salamander larvae, I'm pretty sure it's Eastern. It probably came off of the plants I collected from a small run off pond. Odd thing is I cleaned them too, but still. I have him in a small, plastic container with no substrate, some sparse plants and a small bubbler. He looks newly hatched, he's not much bigger than my pinky. (I'd take pictures but he's so small that it's extremely hard.) I got him some Brine Shrimp today and put only about five in his tank.
Uhh when he gets bigger I'm going to move him to a larger tank, but for now he is wayyy too small for that. I researched into it, mainly axoltol.com and your site's care sheets, but I still feel like I'm lacking some information.
I was just wondering if everything is okay and I'd like some help, since my other newts are fully aquatic adults and I've never gone through raising a salamander from larval stage.
Thaaannnkkssss. C:​

 

[shmifty5]

With tiger sal larvae the raising is kind of easy (easier than some other species to be sure), get him some good and small live foods (they hunt by movement, not so much smell), keep his water clean and filtered (plants are a bonus) and if you decide to use a substrate use sand or large gravel/stones (bigger than his head), and always ensure he is healthy (lol).

You should start to notice before he morphs so that isn't an issue, and of course provide him some land area during this time.

Here are some things to check out for more detailed help and what not:
Caudata Culture - Frequently Asked Questions
Caudata Culture Articles - Microfoods
Caudata Culture Articles - Why Larvae Die
Caudata Culture Articles - Illness Part 1
Caudata Culture Species Entry - Tiger salamander (the housing and care section covers larvae)
Caudata Culture Species Entry - Ambystoma mexicanum - Axolotl (the care is similiar if not identical to these guys')

I hope I helped, axolotl.com is a great resource for these guys when they are both larvae and when they are fully morphed eating machines, I know plenty of members here who actively raise and care for ambystomatids so they can provide a much more detailed outline of what you should do but with these guys the basics are sufficient to keep them alive and healthy.

 

[Princess Cocoa]

Thanks a ton! C: I'm really happy to raise my little tiger salamander larvae!

 

[shmifty5]

I'm glad I could help, my own Tiger is adorable and full of personality, I sincerely you hope you have a great time, and remember that we're always here to help.