Hello everyone, I'm new to Caudata.org. I've never kept newts or salamanders before, and I decided to jump right in with local Spotted Salamanders, Ambystoma maculatum. I'm doing something that (I think is) kind of different with the terrarium, so I wanted to share it. The terrarium will be fully terrestrial.
Spotted salamanders, as you people probably know, are quite secretive and like to burrow, so you may not see them often. I had an idea to fix this by pre-making a burrow that was up against the glass of the terrarium so you could see it. I decided to use cardboard, which would eventually disintegrate into the soil.
I'm using a 10 gallon Grreat Choice Aquarium (yes, 2 R's), which was only $13.99 at PetSmart. I put down a 1 1/2 inch layer of organic topsoil. On top of that, I placed the walls of the tunnels. You can see that stage in the first image.
After that, I put the roofs on the tunnel walls. I was worried the tunnels might cave, so I used 3 layers of cardboard and also reinforced the walls, everything held together by Scotch tape. That stage in is the second image. I also sealed all of the gaps in between with tape (not shown in the image).
After that, I piled on dirt to make a hill. The tunnels didn't collapse, which was good. I shaped it into roughly the shape I want. That's shown in the third image.
I plan on putting several types of plants and some wood decorations/hiding spots, as well as a water bowl. I should be updating with that soonish. Again, I'm a newbie, so any tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Spotted salamanders, as you people probably know, are quite secretive and like to burrow, so you may not see them often. I had an idea to fix this by pre-making a burrow that was up against the glass of the terrarium so you could see it. I decided to use cardboard, which would eventually disintegrate into the soil.
I'm using a 10 gallon Grreat Choice Aquarium (yes, 2 R's), which was only $13.99 at PetSmart. I put down a 1 1/2 inch layer of organic topsoil. On top of that, I placed the walls of the tunnels. You can see that stage in the first image.
After that, I put the roofs on the tunnel walls. I was worried the tunnels might cave, so I used 3 layers of cardboard and also reinforced the walls, everything held together by Scotch tape. That stage in is the second image. I also sealed all of the gaps in between with tape (not shown in the image).
After that, I piled on dirt to make a hill. The tunnels didn't collapse, which was good. I shaped it into roughly the shape I want. That's shown in the third image.
I plan on putting several types of plants and some wood decorations/hiding spots, as well as a water bowl. I should be updating with that soonish. Again, I'm a newbie, so any tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
