Question: Semi aquatic newts

[nkanderson]

I just received a 55 gallon tank and was thinking about setting it up semi aquatic and wanted to know what were the best beginning semi aquatic newts. I have 2 A. Tigrinums, i just want to give a try at some newts


thanks
Nigel

 

[Shadow]

Hi Nigel,

Well you have numerous options to be honest. It's a nice size tank and you can do a lot. However if your going for a semi-aquatic setup then it's more about the dimensions of the aquarium. The longer the better as 55 gallon does sound big but it could be quite tall, which may not be a good thing.

Here are some stuff you may find interesting -
Caudata Culture Articles - Setups, Semiaquatic
Caudata Culture Articles - Setups More

It's also best the build your tank around a certain species. Here are some care sheets of some species -
Caudata Culture Caresheets

 

[Azhael]

I agree, it will work best if you first choose a species, then plan accordingly to its requirements.
I have to say, semi-aquatic enclosures are very attractive but unfortunately they are not the most practical.
If we are looking exclusively at newts, your options are not numerous....most species are fully aquatic in captivity, or primarily terrestrial with perhaps a short aquatic period during the breeding season.
Triturus marmoratus may be your best bet. They can be kept 100% aquatic, but if given the chance they are likely to use the terrestrial area for a good part of the year. Depending on conditions they may go fully terrestrial. Some Tylototriton species may also use both areas. Other than that, maybe Taricha could work too.

 

[nkanderson]

It is longer than it is tall and thank you for the advise and links.

So if i would go with Triturus Marmoratus would it best to have more water than land or would it best to keep it 50% water and 50% land?