Can Maa tank be TOO big?

[jewett]

My 10 Maa larvae are growing like weeds and eating great. Right now I have a 10 gallon tank cycling for them and should be ready in a week or so. But, with 10 animals I know they will outgrow this. I have a 55g tank not being used that I have been concidering as their permanent home, but this is a big tank and these are smaller newts. I can only think all the space will be good for them but are there any down sides to a large tank that I am overlooking (besides maybe having to look real hard to find them once all the plants grow in)? I am pretty sure I could go to thrift stores and yard sales and find a 30 or 40g tank, no problem, if needs be. Thanks for any ideas,
Heather

 

[Jennewt]

I think they would be fine in a 55-gallon, as long as you like the appearance (perhaps having to hunt to see the animals). Adult alpestris become quite good at seeking food in the place where it's normally put, so I don't think you'll have a problem with them not finding the food (this could be a problem for a more-shy species).

 

[jewett]

Sounds good - the 55g it is. Thanks Jennewt!

 

[chris_dishmon]

i'm putting 4 in my 55 gallon i already have set up.

 

[charles2005]

I have 20 in a 55 gal., and they love it! I have it 3/4 full of water with plants, and some rock hides, with fine sand on the bottom. I put the blackworms in a dish but they still get in the sand so sometimes I see them digging in the sand picking out the worms.

 

[michael]

a 55 gallon would be fine because they are aggressive eaters and will hunt down food. The problem with amphibians in large tanks is some times they don't find the food but that should not be a problem. On the other hand a 10 gallon tank is sufficient for about a half dozen adult Mesotriton alpestris apuanas.