I did some research before I got him, so I know what the books recommend. I'd just like some advice from people who have actually owned a salamander.
Answers:
The larval stage is entirely aquatic, so can be set up in an aquarium with 6 inches of water and some rocks they can hide in. They should be kept at 65-70 F (18-21 C). A good filter is required and aeration with an airstone is recommended. Particular attention must be paid to water quality, especial ammonia buildup and pH of the water. See the article Salamander Housing for more detail on housing.
Eventually (may take months to years) the larva will lose its gills and emerge from the water, taking on the adult form. As this occurs, the amount of water in the tank should be gradually reduced and a land area provided. Once metamorphosis is complete the salamander can be kept in a terrestrial tank set up. A substrate suitable for burrowing must be provided. Many owners use potting soil (no vermiculite), peat, and bark chips, or sphagnum moss. Anything that can be kept moist and allow burrowing is fine, so gravel is not appropriate. However, keep in mind that due to their size and healthy appetites, tiger salamanders do produce quite a bit of waste, so their cages will need frequent cleaning. Do not expect to have a permanent or elaborate set up. Plants, bark pieces, rocks or other hiding places should also be provided (multiple hiding spots per cage). Again temperatures of around 65-70 F (18-21 C) are acceptable, but the temperature should not be allowed to increase over 72 F (22 C).
A shallow dish of water should also be provided 鈥?large but shallow (no more than 1-2 inches deep). Your salamanders might enjoy soaking in the dish, and the water will need regular cleaning too.
Heating is typically not required as tiger salamanders should be kept at room temperature or slightly below. The enclosure should not be wet, but the substrate should be slightly damp. When cleaning the tank, use only very hot water and no detergents. Salamanders have extremely sensitive skin and also absorb chemicals readily through their skin. UV lighting is not required, but a regular light-dark cycle mimicking that of the area they are native to should be maintained with incandescent lighting, preferably on a timer.
Feeding
Tiger salamanders have a healthy appetite, and should not be overfed as they will become obese.
Larva will take aquatic invertebrates such as Daphnia and brine shrimp, insects, small fish, and worms.
The adults can be fed a selection of feeder insects such as crickets, earthworms, and wax worms, a selection of wild caught insects (be sure the area collected from is not sprayed with pesticides) and can be offered the occasional pinkie mouse. Due to their size and strength, they shouldn't be housed with smaller salamanders.
Tiger Salamander's food consists of earthworms, insects or molluscs as well as the occasional frog or baby mouse. Neotonic Tiger Salamanders may live in deep, permanent pools. They will eat small fish, aquatic insects and worms or other larval Tiger Salamanders.
(never actually owned one, sorry. You probably know this info already.)
My salamander was red and black, and ate worms, but I never read up on them. I found him (Herbert) in the woods, and put him back at the end of the summer.
As a librarian, I can assure you that published books are generally a better source than word of mouth advice.
Generally speaking, the content of a book has been reviewed by an editor for typographical and obvious factual errors.
As a librarian who is also a reptile enthusiast, I can assure you that kingsnake.com is one of the best sources of information for reptiles and amphibians.
tie a string to his feet,come to my house and release it to my room! i have an annoying cricket we cant kill.
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