Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently bought a 20 gallon long aquarium to put some marbled salamanders in. I divided it up into thirds. One portion is Canadian Spahgnum (don't think I spelled that right)Peat Moss, another is completely top soil, and the third is a mix of the two. Is it ok that there is some moss on the topsoil, because it was growing on the topsoil while it was in the bag? I read that a 20 gallon long could hold 2-4 marbled salamanders, is this true? If it is not how many do you recomend I get?

Thanks
Mike
Greater Cincinnati Herpetological Society

the moss on the topsoil is fine as long as it doesn't start to mold. you can mix the different soils together throught the tank, though be careful with peat moss, it tends to be acidic and too much can harm your sals. if you have plenty of hiding places, at least one per sal, 3" or more of soil to burrow into, and drainage for your soil (false bottom type tank), then you should be good to put 3-4 adult marbleds together in a 20 long, otherwise i wouldn't go more than 2 since, more sals without proper soil drainage will build up toxins in the soil quicker and reqiure more frequent soil changes. also, some live plants added to the mix will make your tank look nice and give your sals some more places to hide and can help keep your soil cleaner. and don't forget a 2" deep or shallower water bowl that should be changed EVERYDAY regardless of whether your sal used it or not.

Thanks, I have a lot of peat moss so I will remove some.

Thanks
Mike

this may help answer your questions

http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Ambystoma/A_opacum.shtml

Ed