How to Create the Perfect Salamander Habitat

Salamanders are amphibious creatures found throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. On average, salamanders, which means "fire lover," will grow between 4 to 6 inches in length and the spotted salamander will live to 20 or 30 years of age. Salamanders require a specific environment to thrive, especially if you wish to breed the lizards. Creating this environment is possible at home without the need for expensive equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Soil and sphagnum moss
  • Large, shallow bowl
  • Distilled water
  • Hiding place
  • Small plants
  • Tank lid
  • Plastic spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a glass or plastic aquarium that is at least 10 gallons. This will give the salamander enough room to enjoy a terrestrial and aquatic area of the space, which the lizard requires to thrive.

    • 2

      Fill the bottom of the tank with a combination of moist soil and sphagnum moss. Mix the two and spread it onto an even, 2-inch layer on the bottom of the tank.

    • 3

      Set a large, shallow bowl onto the moss. The bowl should be shallow enough for the salamander to enter and exit with ease. Push the bowl into the soil layer until the edges are flush with the surrounding ground to provide a place for the salamander to drink and submerge itself.

    • 4

      Fill the bowl with distilled water. Never use tap water as it contains trace amounts of chlorine, which is deadly to the salamander.

    • 5

      Provide a hiding place, such as a dried piece of bark or a ceramic fish hiding spot. Salamanders are naturally covert lizards that require a place to escape and hide.

    • 6

      Scatter small plants throughout the aquarium. This will make the space feel more like home for the salamander and will also help maintain the humidity in the space.

    • 7

      Cover the tank with a tight fitting lid. Use a mesh or plastic lid that fits tightly over the top of the tank but will allow air flow through the space.

    • 8

      Monitor the tank daily to maintain a constant temperature between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Mist the tank and substrate daily with a plastic water bottle and distilled water to maintain the space's humidity. Increase misting's frequency if the salamander's skin appears dried out.

    • 9

      Place the salamander's habitat in a warm area of the home that is away from direct sunlight.