1 Topic by frogman

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Topic: Salamander habitat

My wife and I have constructed a nice habitat for our cave dwelling salamanders (Dark-sided and cave), using a 20 gallon aquarium. I used bathroom tile adhesive to glue two flat rocks together and left a small space between them. I then attached a clear plastic tube to the cover, allowing us to put ice in it. The ice melts, providing cool water, that drips over the rocks like a natural cave habitat. The bottom of the aquarium is lined with small gravel. The salamanders seem to be doing well in their new home. The aquarium has been moved to Kim's classroom, where numerous third graders see it every day. She has already had many students that have been very excited to see the salamanders. I have included a picture from the side of the aquarium, showing the "high tech" watering system.  lol

"They are just not right in the head. For the record, I wasn't talking about the ostriches!"-Mike Rowe

2 Reply by kaptainkory

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Re: Salamander habitat

Pretty neat solution.  Gives me some ideas.  ;-)

Just checking though...  It looks like both the bottom and top of the ice tube are open?  If so, you are going to have some escaped salamanders after the ice melts.  And I hope those air holes in the lid are smaller than they look, or it's the same story.  Glass, ice, and even being upside-down will not be deterrents to them finding their way out.   big_smile

You might consider blocking off some of the air holes anyway just to keep the humidity really high?

Good luck with it; you'll have to keep us updated.

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3 Reply by frogman

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Re: Salamander habitat

The top of the ice tube has a plastic cap that we replace after we add the ice. The holes in the screen are pretty small. Probably about 1/16 of an inch, or possibly 1/32 of an inch. The tank cover was purchased at wal mart, and I cut out a hole for the tube. I cut the bottom of the tube to fit somewhat flush against the rock. I would be glad to make up a diagram and post it if anyone is interested.  smile

"They are just not right in the head. For the record, I wasn't talking about the ostriches!"-Mike Rowe

4 Reply by Eric East

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Re: Salamander habitat

Pretty cool man!

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5 Reply by frogman

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Re: Salamander habitat

Thanks, Eric.

"They are just not right in the head. For the record, I wasn't talking about the ostriches!"-Mike Rowe

6 Reply by frogman

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Re: Salamander habitat

Update: We have added a dusky salamander, a spotted salamander and a marbled salamander to the artificial cave. All of them are doing good and seem to like the set-up.

"They are just not right in the head. For the record, I wasn't talking about the ostriches!"-Mike Rowe