Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I was looking at a Paddletail Salamander in the Pet Store. The guy told me they are easy to look after. I have no experience with these animals. I only own parrots and a 90 gallon fish tank. I realize these are very different. I have a 10 gallon tank or my friend will give me her 20. How do I set up and what do I need to be concerned of. How difficult are they to look after? I want to be more informed before I purchase. How many can I have? and what else can I have with them?

thanks for all info!

What type of parrots do you own?I love hookbills...
I own;

-two cockatiels
-two budgies
-and two orange cheeked waxbills.

PS: Go to birdboard.com, its an excellent bird site.

Here's a ugly pic of one of my tiels, Buddy

Steven

Well you certainly can ask!!!
I love talking about my babies!!!!

I have 2 African Greys, 4 Budgies, 1 Cockatiel- looks just like Buddy.

I have no idea what I did before I owned my clowns!

Thanks for the site info, I will definitely check it out.

Robin

Unfortunatly Caudate Central does not have a caresheet up for these guys. If you go to caudata.org and post on their message boards people should be able to help you out.

They are completly aquatic and terretorial from what I remeber, but please go to those forums and ask someone who works with them to be sure you get the best info for the animal.

Basic beginner questions can be answered on caudata.org/caudatecentral/

Hope that helps,
Rob
>>Hi,
>>
>>I was looking at a Paddletail Salamander in the Pet Store. The guy told me they are easy to look after. I have no experience with these animals. I only own parrots and a 90 gallon fish tank. I realize these are very different. I have a 10 gallon tank or my friend will give me her 20. How do I set up and what do I need to be concerned of. How difficult are they to look after? I want to be more informed before I purchase. How many can I have? and what else can I have with them?
>>
>>thanks for all info!

Thank you,

You are extremely helpful. I will post on the site and see.

I appreciate it!!!!

Robin

Paddletails need an aquatic setup with at least 8 inches of cool/cold dechlorinated water and a filter. Maintaining the tank water will be similar to a fish tank. Avoid gravel that can be swallowed. A small island is nice, but probably won't be used much. Get only one as they might fight. Feed chopped earthworms, frozen bloodworms, an occasional cricket or waxworm.
Read FAQs here

Thanks,

Won't he get lonely with only one in the tank? They have 20 or more in the tank at the fish store. He told me I could easily keep 5.

What about them escaping? Is a regular 20 gallon tank with a lid ok, the filter I have is a biowheel is that ok?

Thanks for the help!

Robin

Do Not get five for a 20 gallon tank. Your newt will not be lonely without others in the tank, it would be happier alone. These are extremely aggressive newts. I had two in a 20 gallon tank, but one was too aggressive. A bite wound on the others tail got infected and killed it. The surviving newt, Tim has been much happier since. For a 20 gallon tank, two is a good number if you are lucky and get docile newts. Watch and make sure that they do not fight. Do not make the mistake I made and let them fight. Separate them immidiately if you see them fighting.

You'll want a screen cover, so they can't escape. All newts can climb, and will escape if able. A screen cover is better than a hood because the temperature will be lower. These newts like cold temperatures from 50-60 degres.

A biowheel filter is great. Paddletails live in streams natrually, so a power filter creates the necessary moving water.

For feeding supply bloodworms, tubifex, or even better blackworms. I keep guppies in the tank too. Do not feed your newt only guppies because vertebrates should not be the only food source, but having fish there is great because your newt will be active hunting.

An island is not necessary but you should have plants that the newt can rest on. Hiding places are required, especially if you will have more than one captive.

Good luck!