Flat rocks for hides?

[roguemako]

In the wild I sometimes find mole salamanders & redbacks under flat rocks, I was thinking of collecting some flat rocks to use as hides for my captive sallies (marbles, tigers, fire). Would this work? Are there rocks I should avoid? Should I boil or soak them first? Is this a good idea?

Thanks!

 

[NeekaLovesYou]

I'd be worried about the salamanders burrowing through the substrate underneath the rocks, causing them to collapse - the last thing you'd want is a squashed sal! The only way I can see making them stable is by placing the rocks on the tank base then placing substrate around them, but then obviously the salamanders wouldn't be able to hide under them. Just a thought..

 

[Kaysie]

My Ambystomatids love burrowing under their water dish. I can't see flat rocks being any different than that as long as you have dirt supporting it. That is, I see you just putting the rock flat on the dirt, and them burrowing under it.

I would avoid any shale type rocks as they can seep impurities (like oil). Sandstone might be a little crumbly/rough. Slate will have sharp edges, but if you file these down smooth, it should be fine. Granite and other igneous rock is basically inert and will be fine, if you can find it in flat shapes. I have pieces of petrified wood I found on the beach. Not quite 'natural', but still they look way cool!

Boil if you feel necessary, don't bake. Baking rocks that contain any moisture can cause them to explode. I just scrubbed mine well with a nylon brush.

 

[RPM]

I place a place a pair of support rocks of similar desired height acting as footings, fill in with substrate then place the flat rock on top of the rock footings to prevent sinking. I also do this with my water dish in all my tanks.