Pachytriton labiatus setup

[Demoniac38]

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[i_love_necturus]

How many newts and what size is the tank (gallons)? It looks pretty good but you probably don't need that much gravel, it would make cleaning difficult. Its not necessary but you could add a little more water to the tank. Lastly, is there a hiding place in the tank, can't tell from your pictures?

 

[Otterwoman]

I have a piece of floating bark in with my P. labiatus, she actually hauls out once in a while.
I think more water is a good idea too, mine swims back and forth and up and down, she uses all of her water area.

 

[Demoniac38]

She is the only one in there other than the feeder guppies. The tank only has 12 gallons of water in it. The tank itself is 30 inches wide, 32 inches tall, and 12 inches deep. The rock ledge is a favorite hiding spot and the jar "cave" is frequented in the evening.

How deep are you suggesting? I appreciate the feedback.

 

[Abrahm]

I would say 10-12 inches of water should be more than enough. The problem with really tall tanks like yours is that there is a lot of unused space. You could use this to your advantage by having some emergent plants in there. Something like golden pothos with the roots underwater and the leaves above. I imagine that would look quite pleasant.

I would second removing some of that gravel also. Uneaten food, poop and other detritus is going to get stuck between the gravel and sift down to the bottom where you can't access it. This will rot and cause water quality issues. With really deep gravel layers it is possible to have anaerobic bacteria grow and they often produce toxic substances which can kill or stress your animal if the bacteria are disturbed. If you really want a sloped bottom you could try making a textured bottom with Great Stuff foam with a thin layer of gravel over that.

 

[Demoniac38]

How important is the slope?

 

[Jennewt]

I would say the slope is not important, as P. labiatus don't come out of the water anyway. I agree with Abrahm: the gravel will just trap dirt and be impossible to clean.

If you feel you want to provide an island (just in case), there are other ways to do this without needing a slope.
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/setups.shtml

 

[Gordy]

I don't know anything about that species but I do like how you've added that incline. How did you do it?

Surely the stones would slide down if just stacked...?

 

[jshadowstalker]

i keep 2 in a 10 gallon with maybe 10 lg river stones to give them something to explore and a bunch of fake plants(live would be better).the floating cork works real well mine will once in a great while climb up onto it to bask.i also have a couple clay flower pots as caves ....they seem happy, but it shure makes it easy to clean it up.

well thats my 2 cents
jody

 

[Demoniac38]

Update...

Sorry it took me so long to get back. I found a new job at an independent firm and I haven't had much time off.

Gordy: You guessed it... it is just a slope of gravel, and it does settle a bit as she walks on it. The rock and cave might be helping it not do that, but it won't matter much longer anyway.

Dawn and Jody: I got a floating log from Zoo Med. It's an instant favorite. She doesn't climb on it so much as in it, but I see her in it daily.

As mentioned before, I got a new job, so the new cash flow will mean more changes to come. As soon as the temp tank is ready, we'll get started. I appreciate all the input. More pictures to come.