Salamander/Fish Tank Plans

[PurpleSmurf]

So my last DIY project got me all ready to start another, and since I'm going to college I thought it'd be something I could take with me and fit into the dorm rooms.

Now, I doubt I'll really be up for frequent water changes, ruling out taking a fully stocked tank, so I figure I'll just sort of meet myself halfway and house a humidity loving amphibian with fish.

So far my plan is to have three report holders placed half-way up the tank to support the "land" moss-covered section (either a glass sheet or several plastic canvases siliconed together) upon where three or four light rocks will be placed with some drift wood. The filter will have an extended intake and the output will run as a stream/waterfall. Underneath the shelf and the filter intake I'll have a enternally controlled 15w heater.

The land platform will have a slope into the water, I'll silicon either sand or small rocks to this and cut out 1" diameter rings so fish can swim through.

I plan to house 4-5 white clouds and 2 fire belly newts. Does this sound do-able?

 

[greendeltatke]

White clouds are a good choice. Anything that will feed on the bottom will out compete the newts (slow eaters). You won't need a heater. Check www.caudata.org for fire belly newt requirements but I'm pretty sure they will be happiest with temps under 70 degrees, same as the white clouds. (It's not a big deal if the white clouds get warmer, but it is for the newts) They like it even cooler in winter.

I like the idea of leaving the area under the land platform open for swimming. That is very clever. It might be easier to use a turtle dock. Zoo med sells them in three sizes. The frame mounts to the wall with suction cups and the platform is free to float, so that it always adjusts to the water level.

 

[tricksterpup]

HEre is a great thread that we started up a few weeks ago.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50139&highlight=newt

This is filled with photos of established tanks and some recommended newts and amphibians. Its a great thread for learning.

 

[WinterWind]

In case you didn't say, what size tank are you planning to use?

From your diagrams, it looks like a very nice set up.

Good luck with it!

 

[Kissofthegorami]

I think the newts will eat the white clouds but they may last for a while.

 

[WinterWind]

I think the newts will eat the white clouds but they may last for a while.

If they can, they will. But it's unlikely they can catch it, but just to be safe, I wouldn't put those fishes in there, unless you don't remind replacing them every so often.