How to Set Up a Salamander's Tank

Salamanders are great pets for kids and people allergic to animal fur. There are three types of salamanders: aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial. Aquatic salamanders need to be fully submerged in water while terrestrial salamanders need a land-type environment. Semi-aquatic amphibians need a combination of the two. They are carnivores, so they eat meat such as mealworms, earthworms, beetles and pill bugs. Although it may be fun to watch them eat, swim and climb, keep the handing of your salamanders to a minimum. Salt and heat from your hands can harm the animals. Wash your hands if your salamanders need to be handled.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Aquarium gravel
  • Aquatic plants
  • Water
  • Water filter
  • Piece of glass
  • Aquarium silicone cement
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Instructions

  1. Aquatic Salamanders

    • 1

      Cover the bottom of the tank with two inches of aquarium gravel in front.

    • 2

      Make the gravel rise to three inches in the back.

    • 3

      Fill the tank with water.

    • 4

      Put in some aquatic plants. Regularly replace the plants, as needed.

    • 5

      Install a water filter to keep the water clean.

    • 6

      Make sure there is a light source. Overhead lights work best.

    Semi-Aquatic Salamanders

    • 7

      Glue a piece of glass in the center of the bottom with aquarium silicone cement.

    • 8

      Lay an inch of aquarium gravel on the water side. Slope the gravel so it's higher on the land half.

    • 9

      Cover the land half with peat moss or garden loam.

    • 10

      Put on a layer of turf or moss over the peat moss or garden loam.

    • 11

      Put in a few plants, rocks, slabs of bark and caves or hides for the salamander to use.

    • 12

      Put a light on top of the lid.

    Terrestrial Salamanders

    • 13

      Layer an inch of aquarium gravel on the bottom of the tank.

    • 14

      Cover the gravel with peat moss or garden loam.

    • 15

      Lay on a piece of turf or some moss.

    • 16

      Arrange some terrestrial plants, rocks, caves and bark in the tank for the salamander to sleep or hide in.

    • 17

      Put a dish of water in the tank to keep the moisture level high.