How to Clean a Salamander Cage

Don't touch a salamander unless you have to.

With their porous skin, salamanders are very sensitive to pollution. Cleaning out a salamander tank using the powerful chemicals you have under the sink could lead to a dead or very sick salamander. On the other hand, a buildup of waste is also dangerous, not to mention unpleasant for both you and the salamander. The tank needs cleaning about once every two months. Choose suitable products and your pet should be fine. If the salamander belongs to a child, demonstrate the procedure and supervise her for several subsequent cleanings.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic box with lid
• Sharp knife
• Sphagnum moss
• Surgical gloves
• Dishwashing liquid
• Bucket
• Cleaning cloths
• Paper towels
• Substrate

Instructions

1. Make numerous air holes in the lid of a large plastic box by pushing a knife through from the underside of the lid and twisting it. The box forms a temporary holding container for the salamander while you clean the tank.

2. Dampen sphagnum moss with dechlorinated or spring water and place it in the box.

3. Don surgical gloves or wash and rinse your hands thoroughly in dechlorinated or spring water, leaving them wet. The oils and salts on human skin are dangerous to amphibians. Amphibians may also carry salmonella, no matter how healthy they are.

4. Pick up the salamander and put it in the box. Replace the lid.

5. Dispose of the substrate and any accessories that you can’t clean, such as bark. Place water bowls and plastic accessories to one side.

6. Add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid and some hot water to a bucket.

7. Wipe the tank and any plastic accessories with the dishwashing solution.

8. Rinse the tank and accessories thoroughly. It is easiest to do this outside with a hose or in your bathroom tub. Be sure to remove all traces of the cleaner. If you use the tub, wipe it down with a stronger disinfectant later.

9. Dry the tank with paper towels, add fresh substrate and accessories and replace the water bowl.

10. Put the salamander back in its tank and replace the lid.

11. Dispose of the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Tips & Warnings

• Dechlorinate tap water by leaving it in buckets for 24 hours. Alternatively, use a commercial dechlorinator from an aquarium supply store. Note that neither method will remove chloramine. If your water supply contains this chemical, ask an aquarium supplier for the appropriate treatment.

• Remove feces and dead food items daily to keep the tank hygienic in between cleans.

• Because of the salmonella risk and because amphibians are not at all hands-on pets, salamanders do not make suitable pets for a household with very young children. Wait until your child is at least 5 years old -- 8 is the preferable age -- before getting such a pet. Children under 12 need supervision around the animal, and an adult should take all responsibility for the salamander’s care.

References

• New England Herpetological Society: Salamander Care Sheet
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Reptiles, Amphibians and Salmonella