What to put in this tank???

[Nology]

I've been setting up a tank for a few weeks but I have no idea what I want to put in there. The plants are all fake. Whats my best option to have in a tank setup like this??

 

[Jennewt]

Measure the water temperature accurately and report back.

 

[Nology]

I've got a heater so it can be whatever. I've still got to pick up a thermometer for the water.

 

[b00f]

thats very nice setup you have there, really like the fake plants, i have ones similar...

i would suggest a semi aquatic newt.

i live in australia, where all we can have is axies,

have a look around the gallery, and decide what your allowed to have (check local law) then choose your favourites from that short list


good luck, and dont forget the pics

 

[Azhael]

How big is it? Looks like it´s too little ground for a terrestrial caudate, and too little water for an aquatic one...
Not a lot of things could live there...but perhaps some Eurycea species?

 

[Nology]

Its a 36 gallon tank. I could add more gravel to the right side with some moss and what not.

 

[fishkeeper]

What temp is the water? Or rather, what are the highest summer water temps going to be?

It looks more like a tank for an anuran than a caudate, though. I'd raise the waterlevel to the platform on the gnarled root formation. And replace fake plants with Pothos if possible.

 

[Nology]

raising the water level is a problem. The tank is on a dresser and the added weight of an extra 20 gallons of water would be a disaster. I might get rid of the log on the bottom and fill in more gravel. layer some rocks and moss on top of that and see how it comes out.

 

[Jennewt]

I would certainly not recommend more gravel! With the amount of gravel you already have, you will already have problems keeping it clean and oxygenated. The problem with "gravel slope" setups is that the gravel at the bottom doesn't get enough water circulation, so it tends to become anaerobic (non-oxygenated) and this is bad. Also, whatever dirt falls into that gravel is impossible to clean out. As a long-term setup, gravel slopes should be avoided, IMHO.

Regardless of the heater, the essential questions for any newt/sal are... what is the max summer temp, and how cold can you get it if you remove the heater? For caudates, the issue is more of how to cool the tank, not how to heat it. If you are planning to include an animal that needs the heater, then forget about caudates.

 

[Nology]

you're right I can see where more gravel can become a problem. I could remove a good amount of gravel and water and go with a filter for a more shallow setup. The filter I have needs almost 5 inches of water to work.

 

[fishkeeper]

You can probably just remove filter alltogether. Water will stay cooler if that is a problem.Again, curious on the temperature issue.

 

[Nology]

The water is at 72 degrees.

 

[Jennewt]

72 in winter is not a favorable setup for most caudates. Can you get it colder?