Reptile & Amphibian Forums

got the "unoficial" size of the pond and habitat that I'm going to build. It is going to be in an octogon shape and the sides are going to be 4 feet each. So the diameter will be aprox. 9 feet or so across. It will be give or take 3-4 feet deep. How manny gallons is that? I'll have a small stream running from a waterfall into the pond. Also parts of the pond will be sloped for easy in and out access and also a ledge will be made in a spot. Not only will it be a pond but a small microhabitat. I plan on fencing an area of about 360 cubic feet w/ a 3 feet tall plexy glass fence. I'm going to plant plants and trees. Also, next to the pond I'll make about a 4 inch deep marsh with long grass. I originally wanted to put in 2 Estern Box Turtles, 2 RES Turtles, and 2 Western Painted Turtles. (Each pair will be 1 female, 1 male.) Also there will be 2 fire salamanders, frogs, tadpoles, anoles, and one more type of lizard. Of course there will be fish in the pond. I planned on buying all of them at the Reptile show down in SD this july and October. I currently live in Orange County, Southern California. I would love to here your opinions about my ideas for the microhabitat, the species of the reptiles and amphibians, and anythign else you can add.

David

If the pond was a circle and was 3 feet deep it would be a 1433 gallon pond. If it was a circle and was 4 feet deep it would be a 1911 gallon pond. I couldn't figure out how to find out how much water an octagonal shaped pond would be. This sounds like an amazing project that has potential to turn out well.

The first possible problem that occured to me though was that most of the animals that you listed are not native to southern California so it would be critical that you made the fence around the pond escape proof. Make sure it extends under ground a few feet to prevent the boxies from digging their way out and make sure that no animals can climb out (anoles and frogs could). It might even be a better idea to use common native species of herps rather than foreign species but check with your local laws first to see if it's legal.

The second possible problem that came to mind was that it will be difficult to control enviornmental conditions. Fire salamanders need to be kept cool, below 70F idealy, how can this be accomplished outside in Orange County? Just something to think about. Once again, using native herps might be the best option because you wouldn't have to worry about enviornmental conditions like temperature and humidity as much. Good luck with this giant project. Hopefully it will go smoothly,
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Devin
devin@amphibiancare.com
www.amphibiancare.com
0.0.4 Dendrobates galactonotus 'Red'
4.1 Dendrobates tinctorius 'Dwarf French Guiana'
1.1 Dendrobates tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
5.1 Mantella aurantiaca
2.1 Mantella crocea
0.1.4 Mantella madagascariensis
1.0 Ceratophrys cranwelli
1.0 Bufo americanus
0.0.1 Salamandra salamandra
1.0 Ambystoma tigrinum
0.1 Chamaeleo calyptratus
0.1 Phelsuma dubia
1.1 Uroplatus ebenaui
0.0.1 Chrysemys picta belli
1.0 Terrapene carolina triunguis

Thanks for the info....ya I don't think that the salamanders will work at all. lol. But thats for the info, i'm taking it into consideration.

David