Crested Newt River Tank -Build Thread

[icculus77]

I am going to dive back into Newts. I used to keep all kinds of snakes, geckos, Mantellas and PA frogs and Crested Newts. My old Crested Tank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzmcKk-49bA&list=UU6mkVhHOJ1PU-1XD18PVy7A


I have a large front window, Bay style, but not a bow window. I am thinking of building an acrylic enclosure apprx. 9"Wx10-12"Hx60"L, with a river flowing from one side to the other. This would be built to fit into the window. I am thinking of having the river enter from the left side (on a mountain) then meander through the length and drain out the other side and then back to a sump.

I am in Pennsylvania, the window gets no direct sunlight. I was thnking I would build a removable insulation panel for between the window and tank for use during the winter. I am going all out on the 100% custom build. I am interested in ideas for heating, lighting and overall design ideas. I was thinking of using some heat cable in the soil to keep it warm enough in a drafty window. I would like to stay away from heat lamps if possible. How about LED lighting.. Is it necessary? Would ambient sunlight be acceptable?
What things would you include in your build if you were going to do it again?

 

[Chinadog]

I'm not sure moving water is a good idea, Don't Crested newts prefer still water?

 

[jAfFa CaKe]

Hmmm, yeah. Crested Newts don't actually live in rivers. They prefer still or very slow moving waters e.g a pond or a canal(but most newts prefer plants which most canals lack). But it I would like to see how it turns out.

 

[icculus77]

True. Calling it a river tank is misleading. The actual turnover wil be quite small, and flow minimal- just enough to keep the tank clean. In the past my crested's have never had a problem with slow movement. As a matter of fact, one of my males preferred to hang in a fast moving pond in my waterfall. I guess the term river tank more decribes the meandering nature of the water feature, not the flow.

 

[jAfFa CaKe]

Ahh, okay. Please post pics when it's done!