Trying to figure out what kind of critter would work in my new terrarium

[David Miller]

Hi all!!

I am setting up a terrarium in a 15 gallon tall aquarium and i want the top open to let the plants grow up and out of it. Honestly the main focus is the plants, but i would like a couple of small critters in it. The ambient room temp is 73 degrees. I can add heating pads or heat tape if necessary, but no heat lamps as that would burn the plants. The dimensions of the tank are 20 x 11 x 19 inches high. Any ideas of any small amphibians that would work??

 

[Herpin Man]

You need something that can't climb or jump. That rules out most salamanders- most can climb much better than their build and lack of sticky toes would suggest. No treefrogs or ranids, either.
A tiger salamander might work; I've never had one that climbed. They do like to dig around in plants, though, and might be a bit destructive.
I think the amphibian most likely to work would probably be a toad, such as your basic Anaxyrus americanus, easily found in MN. They are not really climbers, although a small one might be able to climb up the plants and hop out, depending on how close the plants are to the walls.

 

[David Miller]

Thanks for the help!

Like i said the focus is plants so finding a little creature to work within that has been difficult. I am planning on checking the next reptile show for something. Still in the planning stages for that though. The plants are done and just waiting for them to grow more.