Using terrarium setups

[LaurelJ]

I was looking at Exo Terra and Zoo Med terrarium setups, the kind with the covered top and the doors on the front. The whole thing is much more easily accessed from the front, and I think there are holes for wiring already in place. It seems like a really easy system to use (especially for us short folk whose arms won't reach easily down a 20 g high on a stand), but I've never seen pictures of paludariums set up in them. Has anyone had experience with these puppies? I only keep things that either have fur or swim, so I didn't want to buy one then only be able to use it for lizards

 

[Abrahm]

If you plan on keeping newts in one of these you are probably better of buying some other enclosure. These enclosure wouldn't be able to hold much water at all and I would be doubtful of their integrity if the entire bottom is filled with water. Even if you wanted a terrestrial salamander these enclosure aren't all that great since they are either cubes or tall in design meaning that there will be a lot of wasted space.

If you already own a 20 gallon might I suggest that your future aquarium be the longer, shorter aquariums, like a 20 long, 15 long or 40 breeder? These are usually better for fish and newts. More bottom space gives more actual swimming/walking space as the animal will usually stay at one level in the aquarium. They also provide better oxygen exchange and easier maintenance.

 

[tomthlee]

Yes, I second the use of longer, shorter tanks for newts. I have a standard 25 gallon tank that is 20" high and 24" long and it can be a nuissance when rearranging rocks and/or plants.