Silverdollarboy2

Hey guys, I am starting work on a new paludarium for some Japanese fire-bellies and I wanted some opinions/advice. I am working on an ambitious plan for it.
To start, I have this 70L tank, it has a hood with build in slots for the UV lights, and should make escape proofing the tank both easier and hidden.
So now for the complex part. The rough requirements for the newts as I understand them are 30% land, 60% water. So my plan is to make an interior enclosure or reservoir using glass walls and silicone. Inside this I plan to house the water filter, heater (If I need one, I am south Auckland so I am not entirely sure it is necessary), and a water pump that will feed into a small trickle over some rocks from their little island. Here is a mock-up, the interior dimensions are wrong but bear with me!
The complex part is I want to create a planter that slots over this, that will house some small plants, mosses, and a hardy little bonsai. The bonsai will shade the water with its branches and provide both lit and shaded areas for the newts on land. I can 3D print the pot/lid for it, but I am wondering if I will need to add more supports along the two tank wall sides. I was thinking I could add a horizontal shelf along the back that will hold the pump outlet, and can be dressed with some rocks to hide it. Will this be likely to be strong enough if it is just silicone holding on to the sides? Or will I be better off adding in some glass struts in the reservoir? Also, if I add struts, would I be better off having them along the edge to give the most open area in the filter box, or will that affect flow, and the better option be to put a couple of supports central to the tank to hold the lid up?
The end goal is to have a stepped staircase of stones leading to a deeper pond along the front of the tank. I am also hoping this will promote a lazy circulation, as I know the newts do not like a strong current. I am also planning to plant the bottom of the aquatic areas to increase the water cleanliness, as ideally I want to work towards a low maintenance setup once it is established. Who knows, if it works might even be able to get a couple minnows (Done some research and found some that are rumoured to be good tank mates) but that is more a stretch goal and not part of the current planning.
 
I want to clarify I do not currently have any animals waiting to move in so I can really take my time and getting this build right, so any advice or ideas towards my goal would be awesome. Thank you!

I agree, will be nice having a tank with low stocking and plenty of plants.
Shouldn't be too hard to find a group of them, I know a few breeders along with HFF have them.
Your tank looks awesome Caryl, I feel like buying fish should always be secondary to enjoying and looking after them for many years like you have done.

They will make a good display. Are they readily available?
I have been out of the fish buying game for many years and have no idea what is around these days. My 4ft must be due to give way at the seals as it is over 20 years old now and has no fish added to it for at least 15 years. All my fish are self replenishing. It only has Odessa barbs and Ancistrus in it. Some of the Ancistrus are 10 - 15 years old and the youngest about 3 months, judging by its size. Lots of plant and driftwood makes it hard to count fry and it is pure luck (or grandsons' keener eyes) when we spot more fry due to their size and colouring. The Odessas are easier as they zip through the Anubias and rotala.

Aiming for Clown Killies at this stage

Well that didn't take long - turns out there's now a Hollywood Fish Farm in my area and a 21L tank followed me home somehow...

Well that didn't take long - turns out there's now a Hollywood Fish Farm in my area and a 21L tank followed me home somehow...

We appreciate both your questions and your input.

Thanks for all the advice! I have put a temporary divider between them. The kokopu has been investigating.

A confession and some advice needed!
 
I have had the kokopu for a few months with the plans of setting this tank up. I got it from MTI.
About two weeks ago I put it with the bullies. The bullies inspected it and then it snapped. I removed the two bullies and put them into their old tank.
The bullies tank is now getting too warm so I put them back in and straight away the kokopu gave chase. The bullies are back in their tank waiting for a plan.
Any ideas other than another chiller?
I'm also looking for ideas to make a cage for the dwarf galaxias. I was thinking a large container with small holes in it suspended in the chilled tank.
Cheers

Added some more hiding places:

My new native tank
Filtration: Aqua one nautilus 2700 
Chiller: Hailea 150a
Stocking: Two common bullies 
Tank size: 120x30x30
Special thanks to Mathew Glenworth and his boss for the great deal on the chiller. Thanks also to Mark Paterson, William Pearman and all others who helped get this resolved.
Photos:
 
 

We have been working away breeding quietly from 2 fry to get numbers up to a decent amount and have now passed a few trios on to other breeders. But we managed to hatch some old peat and got lucky 
 
 

If something is small enough to fit in its mouth I think it would eat it.

Finally, after a couple of failed attempts I have at least 15 baby Silvertip Tetras. Super exciting but know I am a long way from real success yet. They spawned Wednesday afternoon, it is now Saturday morning. Had the tank covered up most of the time. Now I need to see them eat I guess. I have a source of daphnia so thinking of straining the large ones to try and find eggs or the tiny babies. I also have Hikari first bites. Oh an I have an infusoria culture that is just not there yet. I have tried a couple of times with out much luck. Anyone in Auckland with a culture? Sure we could do a contactless drop some how. Would appreciate the help. They are so small, wish me luck!
Richard
 

Should be okay, if too much flow point it at a wall to deflect the flow

Enjoying a water change, crazy to think I’ve had this guy nearly 5 years

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We learn and then we pass on that knowledge so others can learn.

Hi all, just wanted to thank everyone on the forum for helping me so much with my fish keeping over the years, when I joined this forum I was 9 years old and your advice helped me enjoy this great hobby and helped me understand the best ways of helping my fish thrive 
Heres to another 7 years 😃

A well written and informative reply Maxine.
I am saddened members do not regularly contribute to the forums these days and I have little faith in any Facebook response unless I personally know the person, which is less likely these days..

Our Executive Committee voted in at our AGM today. Congratulations to": Patron: Gael Eastwood Vice Patron: Ian Mills President: Mark Paterson Vice President: Mark McElhinney, Maxine Lynch Secretary: Danielle Jones Treasurer: Michael Jones, Editor: Darren Stevens Breeding Coordinator: Maxine Lynch Executive Committee Timothy Brewerton Aaron Gabb Danni Mokomoko

Jumping on for any future readers
If you're in the Wellington region and desperate, there is a huge amount in Kapiti.
To be specific, Otaraua Park, from the King Arthur drive entrance. Park up and walk to the river. All along that side, particularly in the rocky areas you'll find them at dusk.

Here is my male gold ancistrus doing his best to isolate himself from his tank mates...
 

Blue Tongue Skinks 
Born 2/03/2020
Already self sufficient but better to wait 10 days before shipping

$200.00 each plus shipping
May ask for proof you have an adequate enclosure for them