Ikea for newts

[Molch]

in my larvae tanks, I wanted some kind of mult-layer hideout for them where they can sit and hang out and feel safe, but which I could still inspect visually for a daily head count without having to pull everything apart, and which is also easy to clean around.

In other words, simple, sturdy, functional newt furniture.

Here's what I made:
1) All you need is several flat rocks (e.g. shale or other) and several round pebbles.
2) With aquarium silicone, glue 3-4 "feet" of pebbles under each flat piece.
3) Let dry.
4) Then stack up any number of them into little newt towers.

In the pic, there's 3 of them stacked on top of each other, and you can see my apuanus larvae during this morning's brine shrimp feeding frenzy.

 

[caudatadude28]

I like it!

 

[evut]

Very nice. Don't be surprised if they ask for slides and swings next

I used pieces of air brick and slate in a similar way (without silicone) for my adults - just 2 storeys high. It makes a couple of hiding places and a land area.

 

[zoezakella]

Love it, great idea, natural and looks great

 

[mr cyclone]

great wee tip i use slates and flat stones also

 

[Otterwoman]

I see you're deadly with silicone glue as well!

 

[eljorgo]

Creative but Mesotriton larvae are benthic. LOL

 

[Molch]

Creative but Mesotriton larvae are benthic. LOL

:rofl: you tell 'em, dude! Actually, my little fellas are hanging out at any level in the tank, bottom (when there's food), mid-level, at the surface on plants - anywhere.

 

[Otterwoman]

mine too

 

[Molch]

if you build it, they will come