Practicalities of heating setup

[mark]

I have a 3ft long vivarium partitioned in a 1:2 water/land ratio housing three mandarin newts. Come the summer i hope to raise temperatures in the hope of stimulating breeding - however i am wondering what is the easiest way in which to achieve this.

A heater in the water coupled with a heat mat or either alone?

Any help/suggestions much appreciated

Mark (newtboyuk)

 

[edward]

Hi Mark,
I don't think you will need any supplemental heating to get them breed unless you are keeping them in a chilled area (like a refrigerated room). T. shanjing will breed in the low 70's which is where most rooms and basements end up in the springtime or early summer.
Heating the aquarium may actually push the temp above the level that your shanjing would prefer and prevent breeding. If you have wild caught animals it may take several years before they acclimate enough to spawn successfully.
Ed

 

[mark]

Thanks for the feedback. I should think the particular room that they are in will do the job.

At the moment its pretty cold (big room) and the newts, bar one who frequently goes bathing, are pretty inactive.

Thanks again

Mark