Tye
Member
I just wanted to say that this forum has been integral to my research into amphibian care.
I wish I had a resource this rich in knowledge when I got my first salamander, an Eastern Tiger, when I was six or seven. I still remember when I pulled him out of my uncle's pool filter and asked to keep him, my dad said, "Sure, let him have it, it'll die in a week." Little did they all know he would be my companion for nearly eighteen years. Of course, at the start I did everything wrong, kept him on aquarium gravel, no hide, just a big rock, a bowl of water, and a stick I thought he could climb. I didn't know what he ate so I just caught all sorts of bugs from the garden. Thankfully Tigers are such hardy little things. As I grew older and read books I learned what he needed and starting switching things over, but I can't imagine how much better those first few years would have been if I had access to these forums.
My buddy Sal passed away this January from old age, I had kept him for nearly eighteen years which I consider pretty good considering the rough start. After he passed I knew I wanted another amphibian, I fell in love with them while growing up with Sal. I decided on axolotls because they're related to tigers. This forum most likely saved a lot of panic and some stressed animals, as the only aquarium I've ever kept have been my betta tanks. I had no idea how to cycle or prepare an aquarium for amphibians. Now I have two happy axolotls, Bone and Charm, who I hope live just as long and healthy lives as Sal had.
So I just wanted to say thanks to the community here for providing information and helping amphibian owners everywhere. The compassion I've seen here is nothing short of amazing and I hope this resource stays for many more years.
-Tye
I wish I had a resource this rich in knowledge when I got my first salamander, an Eastern Tiger, when I was six or seven. I still remember when I pulled him out of my uncle's pool filter and asked to keep him, my dad said, "Sure, let him have it, it'll die in a week." Little did they all know he would be my companion for nearly eighteen years. Of course, at the start I did everything wrong, kept him on aquarium gravel, no hide, just a big rock, a bowl of water, and a stick I thought he could climb. I didn't know what he ate so I just caught all sorts of bugs from the garden. Thankfully Tigers are such hardy little things. As I grew older and read books I learned what he needed and starting switching things over, but I can't imagine how much better those first few years would have been if I had access to these forums.
My buddy Sal passed away this January from old age, I had kept him for nearly eighteen years which I consider pretty good considering the rough start. After he passed I knew I wanted another amphibian, I fell in love with them while growing up with Sal. I decided on axolotls because they're related to tigers. This forum most likely saved a lot of panic and some stressed animals, as the only aquarium I've ever kept have been my betta tanks. I had no idea how to cycle or prepare an aquarium for amphibians. Now I have two happy axolotls, Bone and Charm, who I hope live just as long and healthy lives as Sal had.
So I just wanted to say thanks to the community here for providing information and helping amphibian owners everywhere. The compassion I've seen here is nothing short of amazing and I hope this resource stays for many more years.
-Tye
