What amphibian will work in a setup like this?

[NewtRookie]

This is my first post here so sorry if its in the wrong place.
I have been keeping fish for 2 years now but I have been thinking about setting up a tank for salamanders or newts. A week ago my brother caught a "cave salamander" (Eurycea Lucifuga) and that really got me interested! After reading up about it online we discovered it is considered uncommon. We never knew things like that lived in Tennessee! We released it in a small creek up the street since that was the most suitable place we could think of.

It was his birthday yesterday and I asked him if we would be interested in me setting up a small amphibian tank for him. He said he would be interested as long as it would not be too time consuming, especially since I spend hours working on and re-scaping my tanks.

I would like to set up a tank (10-20 gallon) that has areas of water and land. All of my aquariums are planted so I am hoping to try to get some aquatic plants to grow emersed on the edge of the water then have terrarium plants on the land section. I am not sure what the easiest way to design a tank like this would be. I was hoping to make the water at least 3-4" deep. This may be an entirely different thread topic but what is the best way to go about a half aquatic tank? divided with silicon and glass or just have the ground soggy?

All that being said I am looking for an moderately easy to care for salamander that is hardy (especially when it comes to temperature) and semi-aquatic. It will probably be in his room which can get as warm as 80 during the summer.
Am I going to need anything other than lights, a filter for the water, and maybe a fogger?

Sorry for so many questions. If you could point me in the right direction and maybe give me some helpful articles to read that would be great.
Thanks

 

[EasternNewtDude]

soggy ground never fails. just be carefull for fungus.

 

[Mark]

Welcome to the forum!

We have a list of articles for newcomers here: Caudata Culture Newcomer Articles

The tank should be designed around the requirements of the specific species you choose, so the first thing to do is work out what species are available to you. Few salamanders can tolerate temperatures in the 80s for extended periods - especially Plethodontids. The easiest caudates to care for in my opinion are either fully aquatic newts (European or Asian species) or fully terrestrial salamanders (North American mole salamanders/European fire salamanders). Most of the species that require semi aquatic or stream setups are usually in the tricky lungless salamander category and probably should be avoided. Simplicity is often best for the animal and the keeper.

 

[NewtRookie]

Would a fully terrestrial salamander be ok with a small pool of water? I might just do a swamp themed tank with a small puddle in the front and a soggy substrate. With a soggy substrate do I need to worry about standing water?

I will leave a thermometer in his room to get a better idea of how warm it can get. I will be able to set up computer fans on top of the tank during the summer if that will help.

As for the inhabitants I still have no good ideas. I am leaning towards terrestrial salamander and don't want a fully aquatic salamander but was also thinking about frogs or maybe even geckos.
The only problem with frogs is they usually hide and just sit there and he wants something active. Firebelly toads seem pretty active.


These are kind of what I want to do for the tank. Would a terrestrial salamander be ok with an area of water like these as long as there are "ramps" on the side?

Thanks for the suggestions

 

[Coastal Groovin]

I would try a Spanish ribbed newt in a tank that would reach 80 degrees. They are just about the toughest newt there is. Go with a 50/50 tank set up. They wouldn't use the land often but it could be a great looking tank like the ones you posted.

 

[jasper408]

Ribbed newts, however, seem to prefer being completely aquatic. They are the best fit considering your situation, but the setup/conditions you have in mind would be perfect for something more tropical, like dart frogs.