One adult tiger salamander will need a 10-gallon tank. The dimensions of this will be approximately 50x25cm, or 20x30 inches. Two salamanders require a 20-gallon tank (73x30cm/29x12 inches). Do not house two males together or they might fight. Tigers are often best kept individually. [2] X Research source The surface area of the tank, that is the length x width, is more important than the height. A cheaper alternative to an aquarium tank is a plastic storage tub with a tightly fitted lid. If you opt for this you will have to drill plenty of small holes to enable the circulation of air. [3] X Research source
Good substrates include organic top soil which is free from chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. Coco-fiber is another good choice. A mix of the two is recommended. You should avoid peat moss, or soil mixtures that contain peat moss. These are often acidic and can lead to your salamander becoming ill. Similarly, you should always avoid using gravel or pine or cedar chips. [4] X Research source
You can introduce plants and stones to create a more varied and stimulating environment. Your tiger will want around and explore his surroundings. If you introduce anything from outside, such as stones or branches, you need to sanitise them first. Soak them in chlorine/water solution, rinse thoroughly, soak in clean water, and then allow them to dry naturally. [5] X Research source Fake plants available from pet stores are a more straightforward option.
Tiger salamanders don’t need additional UV lighting like some other amphibians. [7] X Research source As long as the salamander has exposure to ambient light during the day, and is in a dark environment during the night, you should not need to make any further provisions. [8] X Research source
Your salamander may get insufficient calcium and vitamins from the insects. You should guard against this by dusting the live food with calcium and vitamin supplements once a week. [10] X Research source Crickets are a particularly poor source of calcium so don’t rely on these too much. [11] X Research source You can feed your salamander an occasional pinkie mouse, but keep this irregular as your salamander can easily become obese if he has regular mice. [12] X Research source
As well as a water bowl, you will need to mist the enclosure by spraying water into it. This will help maintain the environment and provide more water for your tiger. There is no fixed amount amount that you should mist your enclosure, but monitor the substrate, and mist when it looks to be losing moisture. [13] X Research source Misting a few times a week will often be enough. You can provide a variety of different levels of moisture in different parts of the enclosure and allow the salamander to seek out the environment it wants at that moment. [14] X Research source
Even after taking these precautions, you should only handle your salamander for short periods. If you are moving your salamander to a separate container while you clean the main tank, ensure that you have wet the floor of this container with purified water before you put him in. [17] X Research source
