mudpuppy tank

i_love_necturus · Jan 20, 2009

Hi all,
I am currently using a 20 gallon tall with my one female Necturus maculosus. I really want to offer her more floor space, and I am thinking about getting a 20 gallon long within the next month or so. At first I was thinking about about a 29 gallon, but after realizing that a 20 L was just as long as a 29 gall (and cheaper) it seems to make more sense to purchas the 20L, then I also wont have to get a new tank, and I'll be able to use almost all the same water from the old tank. I am looking for some professional opinions on this. I also plan on using a screen top for cooling purposes and money. Also, I think I'll just sit my light from the tank I have now ontop of the mesh lid over the plant part of the tank. This will ensure there wont be too much light as there is with a full top light, but enough for the plants. I'll put the mudpuppy's favorite hides in the darker section. I understand the work and the stress the mudpuppy will face, but in the long run I think it will be worth it. So is it worth it? Thanks in advance.

Otterwoman · Jan 20, 2009

HI Ryan!

I think that the more room you can give your animals, the better.

Dawn

pete · Jan 20, 2009

I think you'll be happy with a longer tank, and it should cycle pretty fast if you transition items from the older to the newer. It all sounds well-planned on your end. The only thing I'd suggest considering is maybe going even larger, because she'll keep growing. I moved mine not long ago into a 40 gal. breeder, and I'm pretty happy with it. But, you should go with what you have space, desire and money to do.

dane_zu · Jan 20, 2009

More floor space sounds like a great idea to me, and to Bart I bet.

i_love_necturus · Jan 22, 2009

Thanks for the replies. I really would like to go for a 30 gallon long as that's the biggest I can get right now. From some pricing I did, 30L aren't too cheap and neither is the filter. I will be doing more pricing at local petshops this weekend and will probably make the decision of either 20L or 30L then, I'll also try to find the filter im interested in online somewhere for cheaper because I think I came across it for almost half of what its selling for at a local shop. I'll update this weekend if I get to it.

Anymore suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Coastal Groovin · Jan 22, 2009

You should look on craigs list or some other swap/sale site for a cheap tank I just saw a guy selling a 55, 40, 20 gallon tanks for a hundred bucks with filters and other tank equipment near me. Remember you might need a 100 gallon tank with a dozen hide areas if you try to put another puppy in there as they can be very aggressive with each other. You might like a 33 gallon tank which is a short 55 for your pup. Same floor space less water height

i_love_necturus · Jan 22, 2009

I'm pretty sure I'll be getting a new tank BUT the pet shop near me is selling the filter I want for an outragious price and I found the same one on ebay for almost less then half the price. The 30L is looking more and more like a possibility at the moment.

eyrops · Jan 23, 2009

The cover needs be secure enough to keep the mudpuppy in the tank. They can be surprisingly adept escape artists. I think a commercial screen cover weighted with rocks should do it.

i_love_necturus · Jan 26, 2009

The 30 gallon is a definate. I already ordered the filter and will get the tank within a month. I'll be sure to post pics once I get it all set up.

i_love_necturus · Jan 31, 2009

I set up the new tank today, a 30 gallon long. Dimensions are 36x16x12 inches. Its awesome. I used almost all the water from the old tank and therefore I couldn't fill the entire tank. Every three days or so I'll add 4 more dechlorinated gallons (in place of water changes). Thats why the tank looks that way, and the filter is blowing the water out over like you see in the picture. The mudpuppy seems happy enough, not too stressed. Right now the tank seems a lot like a stream. Let me know what you think!

Otterwoman · Jan 31, 2009

That's nice, Ryan! I'm sure she's loving it. How long have you had her now?

i_love_necturus · Jan 31, 2009

Thanks, I've had her two years come Febuary 9th. Time flies...

Also, the tank is covered with a screen lid hopefully I'll have cooler temps from now on. The old tank light is the one you see, its lighting the plants more than the whole tank, which is what I was aiming for.

pete · Jan 31, 2009

Looks very nice, I'm sure that she's quite happy.

Heather at HMSG · Feb 2, 2009

I would dearly like a mudpuppy - are they ever available in the UK anybody?

Heather

i_love_necturus · Feb 2, 2009

I have seen them for sale on uk sites, although I don't think its very common. The legality and such are also a factor you should research.

Slimy2 · Feb 2, 2009

The tank looks very nice and Bart looks quite at home in her new tank.

i_love_necturus · Feb 15, 2009

Quick question, I did 15% water changes once a week with my tank before. It's been about 2 weeks since I set up the new tank. Tomorrow, I'm guessing is still too early for the first water change I assume. I'll be going away this week and figured when I come back it will have been a sufficient amount of time for the water changes to start. Should I wait longer?

taherman · Feb 15, 2009

I've not noticed them to be very agressive with each other. Usually if there is four in a tank they will all cram under the same rock. Maybe in different sex ratios or if you managed to induce reproductive behavior they could act differently though.

-Tim

i_love_necturus · Feb 15, 2009

taherman said:
I've not noticed them to be very agressive with each other. Usually if there is four in a tank they will all cram under the same rock. Maybe in different sex ratios or if you managed to induce reproductive behavior they could act differently though.

-Tim

Im not sure where you are coming from, I only have one mudpuppy. I'm not having any problems, just wondering when it is a good point to do the first weekly water change of a new tank.

taherman · Feb 15, 2009

Sorry that was in response to BillYannone's post above.

I think you'll be fine to do water changes now, or in another week. You might want to test the water for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, as this will give you an idea of when they are warranted.

-Tim

mudpuppy tank

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