Help with sword-tail housing

[TSN]

Hi,

I'm going to be building new paludarium for my newts. I will probably be housing four sword-tail(ensicauda) newts there. Aquarium dimensions are 70cm x 35cm x 40cm, where height is 40cm. So its about 100 liters.

So I'm curious about good water depth for these newts. I've read that depth can be anything from 10 to 30 cm, with most common recommendation 20cm.

But what would be good for swordtails? I know that they will grow little bit bigger than for example firebellies(orientalis). So should water depth be more on the 30cm size or would 20cm be enough for them too? Of course there is some variation with some rocks/plants on bottom and climbing places, but what should deepest water depth be in ideal situation?

I've been planning on something like this(just an example pic found with google) ->
http://www.mecworld.co.za/cfp/cfp/gallery_files/paludarium/paludarium2.jpg
Maybe little bit more vegetation than in example.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Have you had a look at the Species Guide on Caudata Culture?

There is quite a bit of interesting info on many Cynops sp, including C. ensicauda sp. These articles also contain photos of set ups and links to even more Caudata Culture vivarium builds.

My C. e. popei have just recently started taking back to the water, so I am currently running it shallow (about 10cm). Once they have been fully aquatic for a few more weeks I will transfer them to much deeper set-ups. With fully aquatic animals, I find that "more is better" when referring to the volume of water they are kept in. I find water chemistry is much more stable and easier to maintain in larger volume vivaria.

 

[TSN]

Have you had a look at the Species Guide on Caudata Culture?

There is quite a bit of interesting info on many Cynops sp, including C. ensicauda sp. These articles also contain photos of set ups and links to even more Caudata Culture vivarium builds.

I've read that many times. But there isnt any mention of water depth. Atleast not specifically for sword-tails. I guess I'll be sticking to a ~half tank full of water rule. So about 20cm-25cm of water in 40cm tall tank once newts are full grown. That will leave some room for plants to grow on "dry" areas.

 

[Joost]

20cm will do fine. All my Adult Cynops have this depth.

Joost

 

[tonyj]

yeah 20cm will do fine