Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I want to get a tower rack system to keep several mole salamanders and maybe some others ie. mandarain, etc. I wanted to know if the mole salamanders really need light. I don't want to shine a light directly on the rack given that it is plastic. I figure that since these salamaders typically like wet, cool, and moist conditions, shining a hot lamp over them would not be wise anyway. In addition, they mostly stay underground anyway. Can anyone verify this and tell me what I should do differently for the mandarains and other salamanders like a tiger and fire. ThANKS!

mole sals are nocturnal and fossoral-light isnt necessary. if you dont have live plants its wont be needed and indeed even fluroescent lights produce enough heat to make an enclosed set up at room temp unbearable to sals.

I have several varieties of salamanders including ambystomids. I have found that ventilation is a big concern with using plastic tubs. The moist environment coupled with to little ventilation causes excessive mold and bacteria growth. I started with the same amount of ventilation I use with my colubrids but found it wasn't enough. I switched to cutting out the majority of the lid and attaching window screen. This has worked great for me. My salamanders are healthy and thriving. I may even try a fluorescent grow light and add a few plants. I have them on shelves in a cool room as the screen lids prevents stacking. I use terra cotta water dishes, which leak moisture into the substrate, and I also mist once or twice a day. I am not sure what design of rack system you are planning but keep in mind the moist habitat required by sallies require, ironically, a lot of ventilation. The typical snake rack set up will not be adequate.

Anybody else with similar or different experience with this?

Randy