Planning out new FBT setup 55g

[Kurt]

1. I would say between 7 and 10 fire-bellies will fit easily into your tank. Perhaps even more.

2. You could use canister filters or submersible filters. The submersible would be harder to hide. I use Marineland Duetto submersible filters in my tanks. I like them because they are adjustable as far as water flow is concerned and the can be hooked up to hoses. A canister filter would be very easy to hide, as only the intake and return would be in the tank. Even with filtration, I would continue to do partial water changes, just like you did with your fish.

3. I would prefer a screen top myself over a modified aquarium top. With a screen top you are less likely to have any escapees, proving the top sits flat on the tank. With a standard screen top you can run the power chord out of a submersible filter out a corner. With a canister you will need to modify the top to allow for the hoses.
You could always make a top yourself out of Plexiglas. Plexiglas can be cut and drilled so it can me made into a top. Measure the inside dimensions of your aquarium and have a piece of Plexiglas cut to those dimensions. The piece should be able to drop right into the frame of the tank and rest upon its inner lip.
Now you want to cut a window in the Plexiglas and glue a piece of mesh over it. Drill pilot holes where the corners will be in your window, then use a saber saw to cut the window out. You can also drill holes or notches for hoses and/or power chords. See attached image.
You will want to stretch some mesh over the window and glue it down with silicone. I did this using a board bigger than the piece I was making. I used a sheer fabric on my tops to prevent fruit fly escape. 1) I taped my frame down to the board, then taped the mesh to the underside of it on two sides. 2) Next I pulled the mesh to the opposite corner and taped it down to the underside. 3 & 4) I then pulled the mesh and secured it to the remaining undersides using tape. You may need to make adjustments to keep it tight. See figure below.
In the next step, mask off all areas you do not plan on applying glue to. After that apply the silicone. I did this using a surgical glove, pressing the silicone with my finger into the mesh adhering it to the frame. A few hours later the masking can be removed. As you pull the tape up, use a razor to cut any silicone still sticking to it. If some of the mesh pulls up, it not a big deal. Its not fully cured at this point, so you can press it back into place, no problem.
Now the problem with Plexiglas is that it can bow when exposed to humidity. So you need to fine a way to prevent that. You could glue a some stiff rods to the top to prevent bowing. They could also serve as handles. I would also use the thickest Plexiglas you can get your hands on, as its less likely to bow. I used 1/4 inch plexiglas.


4. Bombina orientalis is a temperate zone animal so room temperature will be fine in most cases. If the room/tank becomes really cold in winter a submersiable heater can be used.

5. You tank size will be fine. The reason you don't see too many 55-gallons being used for fire-bellies is because most people prefer to work with smaller, light-weight enclosures. There is nothing wrong with going bigger.

6. Sand is fine as long as its well below the water line. Soil or even coconut bedding will make a mess in this situation. I would use drift wood that would be emerging up out of the water for resting areas for your toads. Others will have idea for creating "land" in your tank.

Every pet store I go into sells fire-bellies, so there should be no problem getting your hands on some.