Pseudotriton Tank

[russ]

Since it's easier to find larval than adult Pseudotriton I decided to construct a morphing tank for some.

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The idea was that the space below the slope and dry land would be dead air (dry false bottom), but I kept getting minor leaks and had to scrap that. Next time I will use solid plastic sheeting instead of the mesh which should make it easier to seal and take a lot less silicone. The filter is a Top Fin brand, works awesome and is cheap. I still need some cover both in the water and on land. Notice how my son has already hijacked it for some newts!

 

[kieron]

That is a cool idea well done

 

[jennifer]

Very cool, Russ! I love seeing tank construction photos. This one gives me lots of ideas. Is there a lid on it? Is that brown silicone sealant, and if so, where is it from? Is there a purpose to the black undergravel plate that is under the deep end?

As it is, is there water in the "dead space" under the ramp? I'm thinking that, rather than sealing it tightly, perhaps another option would be to leave the ramp somewhat porous, and perhaps rig a submersible filter with tubing to push water into the dead space. This would accomplish several things. First, you wouldn't have to worry about sealing the ramp. Second, it would increase the total water volume of the tank, which is always good, while preventing the water underneath from being stagnant. Third, the flow from the filter would be diffused as it came out through the gravel ramp. The only problem would be if the ramp area had any large holes, the animals could get under there and that could be disasterous.

 

[russ]

I haven't put a lid on it yet, I have to construct one to go around the pump. I also want to use a compact florescent for lighting (less heat), the that will need to be changed.

The pump is drawing water from under the undergravel plate, that way it pulls waste that settles into the gravel (though only at the lowest level) through the system. I did re-open a small point, at the base of the slope, to the water in the dead space and screened it, but the water exchange must be extremely slow. This may prove to be a problem later.

The brown is silicone (GE II). The reason I wanted the false bottom to be air space was to reduce weight and reduce the volume of water that needed to be filtered.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[karen]

Wow, that is fabulous!!!!! Makes me feel very lazy for looking for a floating island though!

Great job!

 

[al]

That's a great idea Russ. I like your composites of materials. This gives us many options and ideas to run with. I like the way you hid the dead space to make it more attractive.

 

[rheann]

Hi Russ,

I'm going to try something similar. Here are my thoughts on my project:

I'm also going to try some plastic meshing and the PVC piping, but I'm going to use wider pipes, and either double or triple the meshing. I'm also going to look into good sealants such as pond sealants and foam to seal off the back and sides and top along with some silicone.

Reason I will try plastic meshing is that it has holes for gripping the sealant making it a little more stable rather than using some solid plastic sheeting.

I have to do some more research into products for my project, and once I am ready and know what I am going to do, I'll try and take some step by step pictures

.

 

[rheann]

I'm also thinking I might build the platform into three layers but more towards the back of the tank. I have to sit down and draw out some designs, but I have a really good feeling about my project

.

 

[russ]

Actually the GE silicone adheres great, it was the pebbles settling all the way through that probably caused my problem. You could apply a sealing layer first then another layer on the slope for the pebbles. I would still recommend going with a solid sheeting instead of the mesh though, WAY less caulking.

I think stepping to the rear would be much more desirable, but take into consideration the dimensions of the tank you use. This one was just a standard 10gl.

 

[rheann]

thanks russ

. Would you know where I could get some solid plastic sheeting? The meshing I could get at any craft store, Perhaps if I look at the craft store as well I could find some solid stuff there =).

I think I'm going to also use a 10 gallon tank, or possibly a 20.

Hmmm... Never tried this before: do you think piling gravel up high into one corner into a gradual slope and then putting flat rocks up against the slope to support it would actually work? Have you ever tried something like that?

I'm open to trying both the plastic and pvc and just natural gravel with rocks. Maybe I will try the plastic and PVC with a Marbled Salamander habitat that I plan to set up in the future. I want it to be in layers, but not semi-aquatic.

It's going to be so much fun drawing out all the plans for these tanks, hope to get some time soon lol

Thanks again!

 

[rheann]

Hmm... I do believe that if I go with a ten gallon with the plastic, I will try and make it into a slope, but if I go with a 20, I'll see about putting it into the back. I think though with small pieces I could make maybe two layers in the back. I also have a long 20 gallon that isn't in use, so maybe I will try it with that =)

 

[russ]

A 20g long could be good to work with, though you might end up with the terra on an end too. Check at a home improvement store (Lowes/HomeDepot) for the plastic sheeting. You want something light enough to cut yourself. I don't recommend piling the gravel for the slope, use the silicone. It will more stable and lighter.

 

[rheann]

Thanks Russ =).

Funny story really, I cut my hand open with a pair of scissors recently. Hope I can find some plastic sheeting that is easy to cut lol. I'm such a klutz!

I love home Depot =). I will be sure to check there. I'm looking forward to posting pictures when I get it all set up!

I'm going to start work on my tanks in the next few months. I've decided to wait until next fall to get my Sals. Might be hard to find this time of year, and I think over the spring and summer I might have some trouble. I have no idea when Fire salamanders and marbled salamanders are available during the year. I'll get it figured out lol.

Anyhoo, thanks again!

 

[russ]

Where are you at in CA? You have some awesome species right there, most of my collection is made up of CA species.

 

[rheann]

I live in Sacramento.

I'm not really sure where to look for Fire Salamanders and Marbled salamanders here. I've looked on King Snake and they had a few, but I would like to see if I could find some local carriers.

It's funny too, Can't find any California newts here and I would really like to have one

.

Guess they are in every other state except in California lol. Or at least where I am at =P