I'd like some suggestions on which species i should keep

[nitelyechos]

i'm converting my 20 gallon aquarium into a planted vivarium with land areas and 3" inch of water. i live in the southeastern US so my tanks stay in the upper 70sF during the summer. i dont have much interest in the fire belly newts typically found in petshops. i've kept paddletail newts before but it is hard to keep the water temperature cool enough for them in my area. is there a newt or salamander species that would be ideal for a terrarium with shallow water and that is tolerant of the seasonal heat in my area?

 

[Azhael]

Not really. Higher temps and small volumes of water are not a great mix.
I´d recommend thinking the opposite way, first think about the species, then plan the tank. It will make things much easier and will mean better care for the animals. There are plenty of good starter species, most of which are fully aquatic and would not do well with so little water. We all fall for the aesthetics of a semi-aquatic tank, but they are not all they are cracked up to be, species-choice wise.

 

[FRANCOIS]

If you are on the high side of the temp range, why not get a tiger salamander? If the house is at 78 though, the water temp will be slightly lower. Place the terrarium facing a north or east window!

 

[nitelyechos]

hmm, thats dissapointing. i've read in caudata culture that Tylototriton shanjing prefers terestrial enclosures with only a little water. i've recently installed cpu fans in my hood to increase air circulation and lower the temperature inside the tank. can this species be happy with seasonal temperatures in the lower 70sF