The Tapaboy Newtarium

A new Theme Park for Newts

by Johnathan Vail

Last update 2 Apr 1996 JV

After setting up a 33-Long aquarium for newts about a year ago I was thinking about how I could make a better environment not only for the newts but maybe for some other reptiles and amphibians. Firebelly toads kind of caught my eye and maybe a small tropical lizard or two would be fun.

There were several things I thought might be better: more land, no heater and better viewing angles. The first two items I am hoping might stimulate breeding. If the temperature is a little cooler in the Winter the warming in the Spring might induce them to breed. Since my first newt tank has several species of tropical fish I couldn't just drop the temperature there.

I was also thinking that a design that required less of a footprint would make a more attractive display. It was from these goals that I commisioned the Newtarium.

The Newtarium is my new habitat for newts. It is being designed as a small table-top tank with a larger land area than my current tank. It is being made entirely out of acrylic and built to my specifications by Jim at Tropical Pets in Chelmsford Massachussetts. It is based on a design of Jim's that I saw in his store.

Original Design Sketch

Here's the original concept sketch where I just wanted to get some dimensions and see how it might look. The green area is the water area that forms a half-moat around the land. The land area will be filled with plants and moss. Not shown is a filter/pump housed in a compartment in the land area that pumps the filtered water to the other side of the tank. This will keep water circulating and fresh.

The area labeled as the "door" is an opening where a pane of window glass will form a sliding door. There will also be some tiny holes near the top for ventilation. Eventually I might drill a hole right above the water to allow the water to circulate into a larger tank. It is my belief that the water will be healthier for the animals if there is more of it.

This is the final design that I submitted to Jim for construction. He used this as a general guideline for construction but also added his own details such as the slides for the door, the pump compartment and an additional sloping ramp into the water to make it easier for the newts to haul out with. In addition he added more angles and corners for a more attractive display and he even added a curved river in the land area!

The Newtarium is Complete!

Jim puts some finishing touches on it in his workshop.

Adding some clay hydroponic beads for filler in the land area.

The Newtarium as first set up.
Try the Newt-Cam and point it far Left you can see it. I have been cycling it now with the Zebras and Salvinia (a plant) for about two weeks now. I've collected some plants and as soon as I get a final display table set up I will install all the plants I have as well as some moss and stuff looted from my terrarium.

I also was thinking about adding some lights under the river for some kool effects. Real Soon Now I will dedicate a camera for the Newtarium and it's Web debut.