Fire belly newts..?

[WinterWind]

These little creatures look so cool, that I'm thinking about getting one to add to my aquarium.

Can they be kept with my corries in a completely aquatic set-up? Is 10 gallon way too small for them, or is it sufficient?

[Oddball~]

http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Amphibian,%20Newts.htm

[Emg]

No, they would rather have some land to sprawl up on. I have two in a river type tank....here's a pic of it...

http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_56.jpg
sorry, it's a bit large

Here's a decent pic of the newts themselves...

http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_15.jpg



They spend ALL of their time on the land and never go into the water on thier own. I feed mine live black worms on occasion, but mostly FD tubifex worms which I soak then stick on the end of a chopstick and put it in front of them. They snap it up pretty quickly. I feed them about every other day.

I have a female betta, golden danio and female gold guppie in the water, with a sponge filter.

[WinterWind]

How many gallons is the tank you keep your newts in, emg?

[WinterWind]

btw, those are nice!

[Emg]

It's a 5 gallon I picked up at the dump for nothing...lol. I siliconed a shelf onto the side for them.

[04cobratorchred]

It's a 5 gallon I picked up at the dump for nothing...lol. I siliconed a shelf onto the side for them.


you have anymore pics of that set up its very nice. Also what kind of plants do you have in there and where did u get them. Thanks a lot.

[WinterWind]

Emg, I might want to set up a tank like that, but perhaps not quite as extravagent.

I have some questions that would be nice if you could answer.

What kind of filteration do you use, and what kind of lighting do you need to grow those kinds of plants? Thanks.

[Emg]

I don't know what the plants are. I picked them up at PetCo in the lizard section. One of them is some kind of fern and the big one in the corner will also grow rather well underwater.

I have one sponge filter in there which I tilt up so that the outflow bubbles on the surface of the water. The light in there is a flourescent and came with the hood. It's a little T5 11 inch bulb...don't know what the wattage or K value is.

It's really not that elaborate...lol...I just put some flourite on the platform, which I have since replaced with Echo-Complete substrate....went outside and picked some nice moss which I have growing all over my yard...and plopped a few of the plants in there. They are thriving nicely so apparently they're getting plenty of light from that bulb..whatever it is...and they're happy with the substrate.

The newts like to hang out underneath that plant in the corner. These guys are neat, I would encourage anyone to get some...real cuties ! :D

[Nuriel]

this is an awesome set-up, i would love to get a twenty gallon going with a vine snake and maybe some type of ram.

[Emg]

Sure the snake wouldn't swim down and eat the ram ?? ;)

[Nuriel]

:Angel: yeah, the poor ram would hate to be on his own- i didnt really consider vine snakes going very deep under the water, but hey, i have no experience with these things. but the betta and newt, or maybe a snail and hermit crab set up would be neat too. :bday: :D

[WinterWind]

I don't know what the plants are. I picked them up at PetCo in the lizard section. One of them is some kind of fern and the big one in the corner will also grow rather well underwater.

I have one sponge filter in there which I tilt up so that the outflow bubbles on the surface of the water. The light in there is a flourescent and came with the hood. It's a little T5 11 inch bulb...don't know what the wattage or K value is.

It's really not that elaborate...lol...I just put some flourite on the platform, which I have since replaced with Echo-Complete substrate....went outside and picked some nice moss which I have growing all over my yard...and plopped a few of the plants in there. They are thriving nicely so apparently they're getting plenty of light from that bulb..whatever it is...and they're happy with the substrate.

The newts like to hang out underneath that plant in the corner. These guys are neat, I would encourage anyone to get some...real cuties ! :D


Sounds cool. I really want to get some newts in a 10-gallon setup.

If I decide to get a power filter, how can I prevent splash since the water level would only be half, since the water dispensed from the filter would have to travel all the way down? Any suggestions? Thanks.

And emg, how did you make the shelf? How does your plants grow on it?

[Emg]

Yep...I have a great suggestion....get one of those Whisper in tank filters. They have suction cups on the back so you can stick them to the tank as far down as..I believe...one or two inches from the bottom of the tank. You could decoratively pile up some wood or rocks or something under the outlet to make a little stream in your tank ! :D

I've thought of doing something like that myself, but...too many tanks to deal with these days...lol...I think I am finally getting "Tanked Out".... :thud:

Oh, here's another pic of that newt tank...just put some fresh moss in it today, the stuff that was in there was looking a bit past it's prime. That's one good thing about having lots of healthy moss in your yard...lol...it's nothing to go out and rip up a few square inches of the stuff for general purposes.. ;)

It's a bit blurry, had the macro setting on and was trying to balance on top of the puter desk and cover the flash with my finger..and of course, the fish never sit still for a photo... :rolleyes:

http://www.bellaonline.com/misc/rateme/photos/photo2988.jpg

[Emg]

Oh, WW, be sure to have something under the moss...a good substate or gravel or something that will allow water to drain out from under the plants. Otherwise you may get mold....when you silicone the platform on..if that's how you are going to do this...have it angle down towards the water at one end to ease the drainage.

[WinterWind]

Thanks for the help!

I really like the filter and stream idea, it sounds really cool.

But coudl you explain in detail how you created the platform and planted it?

[04cobratorchred]

This thread really made we want some newts so today i went out and bought a 10 gallon tank with a small filter that stands in the corner of the tank. i am going to make the shelf for it tomorrow.

[WinterWind]

haha

Cool. I want to do this also, but am still planning and researching! Good luck no the tank, 04cobrat.

[04cobratorchred]

haha

Cool. I want to do this also, but am still planning and researching! Good luck no the tank, 04cobrat.


Thanks. yeah i am still doing some research on how i want it set up. i am also having trouble finding the fire belly newts. the pet shop by my house doesn't have any. What do you think i should feed them? i have heard anything from worms to fish food.

[Emg]

I used aquarium silicone. It's a bit difficult and messy...lol..

I layed the aquarium on it's side to do this, so that the platform wouldn't slide down before it dried...but a better way I think would be to use something like maybe 4 plastic cups, whatever hieght you want the platform, and place them in the tank where the platform will be and bead a line of silicone at that level...place your platform on the cups and make another heavy bead of silicone along the edge of the platform on the top. You will need to run your finger along the silicone to to smooth it, but do this with a DRY finger...lol... Leave the cups until the silicone sets then remove them...or you can use something else and leave the stands in there just to be sure the platform stays. If you plan on putting something heavy on it, that may just be a better idea. To angle the platform for drainage purposes, just have the two stands on the water side just a bit shorter.

Keep in mind that under the platform it will be dark and difficult to see any fish you may put in there. I had thought of adding some kind of underwater lighting if I did a larger tank like this...might want to consider this. Some folks make vertical a barrier between the water and the land by siliconing a plexiglass wall. They fill the land side with gravel for drainage and whatever substrate they want...and dirt. This may be a better idea yet.

Anyway, do some online research, like I did to figure this out. Look at all the options and decide which way is best for you. Also, there is a site that sells dart frogs and has some good products for vevariums/terreriums...there are these clay balls that you could use for drainage underneath some coconut shavings, which could also work very well. Here's the site...click on terrerium supplys. I don't have anything to do with the place by the way...except that I have bought stuff from them for a dart frog habitat. Plan on picking up the frogs as soon as the tank is set up..I'll just have to post pics of that too !

http://www.blackjungle.com/home.htm

[fisheewishee]

your 5 gallon tank, what size is it? im having trouble finding how many gallons/litres mine is! id prefere it in litres because uk us gallons are different.

my tank is 48x18x15 for my axolotls

I have two different kinds of fire bellied newts that i read, need a 15 gallon tank for four so i need a couple of 15 gal tanks as i have 4 of each newt but dunno what size

[Emg]

gallons....liters....I dont' have a clue....LOL ! I never did learn the metric system.

[Nuriel]

http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_convert.php
check out this link for conversion.

[04cobratorchred]

Hey EMG, what do you feed your newts and how offten thanks.

[Emg]

I feed the mostly freeze dried tubifex worms and occasionally live black worms. Since it's warmed up around here now, I will go out and dig up some small earthworms and offer those to them too. I'm sure they'll love them !

I feed them about every other day....and they don't always accept the food at that. I've had them for several months...maybe since Nov or so.

Here's a close up of the platform section...

http://www.bellaonline.com/misc/rateme/photos/photo2994.jpg

[WinterWind]

EMG, how do you plant the plants and root them down? I see that you use the black platform and then a layer of soil. How do you get enough dirt to be able to plant them, or are they in pots?

[Emg]

I don't have much substrate on there at all. The plant was in a wad of that felt like stuff. I had removed most of it but kept some on. The fern was in a clump of it's own soil and I just plopped it down in there. The root ball on them pretty much holds them up and the moss helps as well.

I used plexiglass for the platform and the substrate is Echo-Complete, which is a dark almost black product. Looks very much like dirt.

[WinterWind]

Do the plants grow OK with that set up?

Do you think I would be able to use planting soil like miracle gro to plant them?

[tricksterpup]

Very impressive and very nice EMG.. I having been planning on converting a 10 gallon to a newt tank here in the next few weeks. :)
I picked up a filter for the tank, its the hagen stingray. its an in water filter.
http://img.shopping.com/images1/di/36/44/65/62/52/495f646e4e4855544e65326f526b677541-100x100.jpg
This would help with a stream like effect.
I also plan to use this for the land. the Zoomed Turtle dock
I think this might be more suitable than silicone some land. :)
http://www.petco.com/assets/product_images/9/9761266010B.jpg
But my hopes are to get some actual eastern newts instead of firebelly but now that I have a spare 5 gallon down stairs. :rolleyes:
http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/StratfordLandingES/Ecology/Amphibians/Eastern%20Newt/EX_newt9_se.jpg

[WinterWind]

Can you compare eastern newts and fire-bellied newts (chinese)? Are the eastern spotted newts larger than the fire-bellied? Are they more active? And what do they eat, how easily do they take food? Thanks.

I think I might have seen some eastern newts at the LFS.

[Emg]

That eastern newt looks a bit more aquatic than the fire bellies...probably spends more time in the water.

I have never seen one of those turtle things...looks cool....but for the firebellies, because they spend so much time on land, I think something larger with more room to wander is better for them. If those eastern newts spend more time in the water and only need to get out once in awhile...that turtle deck would be GREAT ! :D

WW...my plants are doing GREAT ! They seem to like it fine. The Echo-Complete has lots of nutrients in it for the plants, and they've rooted themselves in there rather well it seems. But I imagine at some time I will have to add a bit of ferts from time to time. I imagine I will know when that time comes when the plants themselves tell me...lol...

[WinterWind]

Cool.

I plan on haveing only a 17000 K, 15 watt bulb over my ten gallon. Will this be enough to grow a few terrestial plants? For aquatic plants, 1.5 wpg would grow only some hardy java fern. Do terrestial plants make a demand for light as aquatic plants do? What if I don't even use a light?

Also, I read a lot on the internet about fire-bellied newts, and all of the sites say to keep the temperature below 70 degrees and that they will not eat or be healthy if it is much higher than 70 (like high 70's or 80's). Is it cool where you live, emg? Or does the temperature for you doesn't really affect your newts?

[Emg]

I think for planted tanks a 6700K rating is fine. I'm not sure about the wattage requirement in terreriums/viveriums, but seeing as how the light doesn't have to go through water... I'm thinking that a couple of watts per gallon should be fine...but, I'm not sure about that.

There are 10,000K 10 watt compact flourescent bulbs that you can screw into incandescent fixtures. If you had an incandescent striplight or hood you could get two of those bulbs and have 20watts over your tank, which should be more than enough. I have even seen those bulbs up to 20 watts...but those are a bit more expensive. I get the 10watt ones in the fish dept. at walmart for about 4-6$ each. A pretty good bargain because when I see them at LFSs they want over 10$ for them. If your room is well lit, maybe you could get away without a light, but if there isn't enough light for the plants, they become tall and lanky looking for the light they need. To keep your plants low and compact it's important to have enough lighting.

My newts seem fine. The temp in my house is 70 in winter...and can get pretty warm in the summer, we don't have air conditioning...so I guess I'll have to wait and see how they fair this summer. Only thing I could do is put them down in the basement....

[tricksterpup]

Can you compare eastern newts and fire-bellied newts (chinese)? Are the eastern spotted newts larger than the fire-bellied? Are they more active? And what do they eat, how easily do they take food? Thanks.

I think I might have seen some eastern newts at the LFS.



Firebelly info.
There are some differences in the size and appearance of the two newts. C. Pyrrhogaster (Japanese fire bellied newt) averages about 3.5 to 5 inches (9-12 cm), although there have been reports of them reaching 6 inches (15 cm).This newt has a rough or bumpy appearance to the skin, and generally the pattern of the red/orange coloration on the belly is speckled. C. orientalis is a bit smaller at 3-4 inches (6-10 cm), and the skin appears smoother. The orange pattern on the belly tends to be more blotchy, with orange sometimes the predominant color on the belly. The only real impact of these differences is that the larger Japanese fire bellied newt needs a little more room and can handle a bit larger prey.



Housing

Housing for fire bellied newts is not difficult to provide, but a few things should be kept in mind. In the wild these newts are largely aquatic, but they should be provided with a land area which they can climb out on to rest and bask (the occasional odd fire bellied newt will spend a fair amount of time on land). And while they don't need a huge tank, keep in mind that the larger the volume of water they live in, the less chance of toxic waste products building up to a harmful level.

For a few newts (3-4), a 20 gallon tank should be sufficient. The land area can be provided by sloping gravel up to one end of the tank, or sectioning off a land area with Plexiglas set in place with aquarium grade silicone. Rocks, moss, and pieces of bark can be used to make a land area with hiding places if desired.
However, for the majority of newts, a floating island of wood or rocks (which should be fairly smooth to prevent damaging delicate skin on newt bellies) is sufficient for a land area.

The bottom of the tank can be lined with smooth gravel, which should be large enough that the newts can not swallow it. Provide lots of plants (the live ones are nicer than plastic and easy to care for, although a fluorescent light fixture with a plant bulb should be provided).

Filtration should be provided, although strong currents are best avoided. Inside corner filters (the kind powered by air) work well, as they create little current. Internal power filters are also a good choice, as long as they are not too powerful and positioned so as to minimize the current produced. Under gravel filters are also a good option.

Fire bellied newts do best at temperatures on the cool side - they tolerate room temperature (70 F/21 C) but will be happier at slightly lower temperatures - 68 F (20 C) or a bit lower are more ideal. At temperatures around 75 F (24 C) or higher, they will be stressed and susceptible to infections, particularly fungal infections. Keeping a tank in the basement is a good way to maintain lower temperatures. Unless you have air conditioning, keeping the tank cool enough may be more of a concern than providing heat. In hot weather, placing a fan over the tank, or letting ice (made with dechlorinated water, of course) drip into the tank may be an option if your house temperature is too high for the newts.

Approximately 1/3 of the volume of water in the tank should be removed and replaced with fresh, dechlorinated water every 1-2 weeks (depending on the size of the tank and the number of newts - it should be done more often for smaller tanks and larger numbers of newts). A gravel washer is an inexpensive tool available at pet stores that allows the gravel to be gently agitated and cleaned while siphoning off water.

Newts should be kept on a light/dark cycle that is regular. 12 hours light/12 hours dark is probably sufficient if you are providing light, or simply allow them normal daylight in a well lit room - as long as their tank isn't in direct sunlight. Newts do not have any requirement for special UV light fixtures, but a low watt fluorescent fixture can be used if you have live plants in the tank. Just make sure the newts have a shaded or sheltered area available in the tank. For more on tank set ups and water quality issues, see my article on Salamander Housing (http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/amphibians/a/salamandertanks.htm).

Feeding

Depending on your newt, you may have to try a variety of food sources. Bloodworms, frozen or live, seem to a favorite among newt keepers. These (especially the frozen bloodworms) are quite readily available at pet stores. They may also eat earthworms (chopped), brine shrimp, glass shrimp, daphnia, and freeze-dried tubifex cubes. Floating reptile/amphibian sticks such as Repto-Min can also be fed, although many newts refuse them. Larger newts, particularly the larger Japanese fire bellied newt, may also eat feeder guppies if offered.

Fire bellied newts do not have to be fed every day - every other day or every three days is often enough. It may take a little experimentation to figure out how much and how often they should be fed, but you can try to judge by their growth and body condition (fat or skinny) and whether excess food is being left (which will cause toxins to build up in the tank).

These newts are nice for people new to amphibians as pet because they are readily available, and don't require a lot of specialized care.

[tricksterpup]

More info.. :D on newt care.

Temperatures, Lighting, and Cleaning the Tank

Temperature
Most salamanders from temperate climates are best kept at fairly low temperatures of 50-70 F so heating is not a concern unless keeping sub tropical or tropical species. Often a basement is a good place to keep salamanders.

For some species, cooling may be necessary. Long term cooling can be difficult (some people rig up methods of running cool water through the tank), and it is probably best to simple try to set up tanks where the ambient temperature remains cool enough to keep the tanks cool. Air conditioning the room the tanks are in can be used if necessary. For short term cooling, you can do frequent 20-25% water changes with slightly cooler water, float small bottles of ice water in the tank or even make ice cubes out of treated (dechlorinated) water to add to the tank as necessary in hot weather.

If supplemental heat is necessary, a submersible heater can be used in the aquatic tanks. Other heating methods such as incandescent lighting, under tank heaters or other commercial heaters should be used with caution since they can be too drying for amphibians.

Light
If tanks are kept in the basement, it is best to keep them near a window so that natural seasonal light cycles are maintained. This level of light is fine for most species. If live plants are used in the tank, though, a full spectrum light source is needed for the plants, and it is best to approximate the natural light cycles for that particular salamander. A low wattage flourescent light is preferred if a light is needed since most salalmanders and newts prefer darker conditions (and the lights should only be on a maximum of 10-12 hours per day) and lights can be drying.

Cleaning
Cleaning is important, but it is necessary to remember the sensitivity of salamanders (and other amphibians) to chemicals in the environment. Unless there is a health problem, simple hot water can be used to clean aquariums and items in the aquariums. Letting tanks and furnishings dry in the sun is also helpful. New items should be carefully inspected for pests or decaying material, cleaned and dried before adding to the cage. Rocks and other non porous items can be soaked in bleach solution and very thoroughly rinsed. Commercial disinfectants should usually be avoided, as it can be difficult to rinse all the residue and it takes very little exposure to some chemicals to serious harm or kill a salamander. They should particularly be avoided for porous materials like wood, as any residues can leach out over time and kill the salamander.

[tricksterpup]

whew..
Ok, now the Eastern Newt has a very terrestrial stage in life calld the red eft.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/idguide/redeft1.jpg
So they would need a damp but not aquatic environment, very similar to salamanders. But those guys are so cool looking.

Here is some info on them.

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/idguide/notovir.jpg

The Eastern Newt (and its close relative the Striped Newt, N. perstriatus) are unique in that they undergo two metamorphoses. The first is the usual transformation from aquatic, gilled larva to an air-breathing terrestrial form. However in these two species there is a second, less striking metamorphosis to a breeding aquatic adult. The sexually immature land phase is usually called an Eft (left, top and middle, and below) while the aquatic adults are called Newts (bottom left). http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/narcam/idguide/redspot2.jpg
The Eastern Newt is divided into four subspecies. The photos shown here are all of the Red-spotted Newt, N. v. viridescens. Adults reach lengths of nearly 5 inches, while Efts usually reach only about 3 inches. The Red-Spotted Newt gets its name from the many red spots that occur on its dorsal surface against the background color of brown to olive green in adults.
The Eft stage may last anywhere from 1-7 years. Sometimes the eft stage is skipped completely and they go directly from the larval to the adult aquatic stage. This is particularly common in the southern subspecies, the Central Newt, N. v. louisianensis, and the Peninsula Newt, N. v. piaropicola, and in populations that live in xeric (dry) environments such as the pine barrens and sand hills found in the eastern coastal plain. The skin of the Eft is toxic and their bright coloration serves as a warning - it is not so rare to find an Eft wandering about in broad daylight after rain. When Efts transform into adults the red background color changes to olive green or brown, but the red spots remain. They also develop a more compressed tail that helps them swim in the aquatic environment into which they move. There are three other subspecies of the Eastern Newt found east of the Great Plains from the southern reaches of central Canada south to Florida and the east coast: the Broken-striped Newt, N. v. dorsalis, the Central Newt, N. v. louisianensis, and the Peninsula Newt, N. v. piaropicola.

[Emg]

I was hiking on the Long Trail in VT once and those little newts were ALL OVER THE PLACE !!! It was hard not to step on them....lol...must have been a mating season or something. Very cool !

[WinterWind]

Good info, trickster!

Emg, would you happen to know the names of the plants in your set up? I'm not sure which plants to use.

[Emg]

Lol..I don't know...use whatever you see that appeals to you. Ferns and moss are always nice in terreriums. I imagine anything that likes moist damp settings would be fine. ;)

For the moss I just went out in my yard and pulled some up...very economical.. :D

[WinterWind]

Emg, I was reading about newts on the web, and it said that newts usually go through an "eft" stage when they are largely terrestrial. Usually right after they finish metamorphises , they will spend most all of their time on land. This stage last for about a year, and they will become aquatic. Maybe your newt is now in the eft stage and when it grows older and matures, it will be mostly aquatic.

Just some info if you didn't know before.

[tricksterpup]

Emg, I was reading about newts on the web, and it said that newts usually go through an "eft" stage when they are largely terrestrial. Usually right after they finish metamorphises , they will spend most all of their time on land. This stage last for about a year, and they will become aquatic. Maybe your newt is now in the eft stage and when it grows older and matures, it will be mostly aquatic.

Just some info if you didn't know before.

From the eastern newt info above.

The Eft stage may last anywhere from 1-7 years. Sometimes the eft stage is skipped completely and they go directly from the larval to the adult aquatic stage. This is particularly common in the southern subspecies, the Central Newt, N. v. louisianensis, and the Peninsula Newt, N. v. piaropicola, and in populations that live in xeric (dry) environments such as the pine barrens and sand hills found in the eastern coastal plain. The skin of the Eft is toxic and their bright coloration serves as a warning - it is not so rare to find an Eft wandering about in broad daylight after rain. When Efts transform into adults the red background color changes to olive green or brown, but the red spots remain. They also develop a more compressed tail that helps them swim in the aquatic environment into which they move.

Best way to treat efts as salamanders, while they become newts, they are more aquatic.

[Emg]

I knew about the toxic skin....I seldom handle them and it's always a good idea to wash hands ANY time you touch or handle reptiles/amphibians and the like anyway..so we haven't had any issues or problems with that aspect of these newts.

I did not know about the "eft" stage of newts though...very interesting..thanks for the info WW. :)

[tricksterpup]

Yeah, newts are not a holdable pet as it goes. Our oils in our hands are harmful to their skin so If you hold your newts, best thing to use are rubber gloves. There is no need to harm your pets with a touch.

[04cobratorchred]

Just got my tank made with the shelf i will try to get some pics up later tonight. now i have to wait 2 days before i can fill it, so it can dry. And then i have to wait 14 days b/c the pet store has to order the newts for me.

[04cobratorchred]

Here are the pics. its a 10 gallon tank i am going to have a small corner filter in there. i folded the edge of the plexy glass up so that the dirt wouldn't fall into the water. let me know what you guys think. Click on the pic to enlarge
http://img70.echo.cx/img70/5163/picture0266ex.th.jpg (http://img70.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0266ex.jpg)
http://img70.echo.cx/img70/2236/picture0273xd.th.jpg (http://img70.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0273xd.jpg)
http://img70.echo.cx/img70/8974/picture0283eg.th.jpg (http://img70.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0283eg.jpg)

[Emg]

That's a good idea about having the edge there, but is there some way for water to drain off of the platorm? Any plants you put on there are going to need to be watered..and there has to be a way for excess water to drain off so the plants don't get saturated and mold starts to grow.

[WinterWind]

That looks very good, 04cobratorchered. I probably won't be doing that with my tank though. I'm not very good at DIY stuff at all. Will tupperware silicon-glued like that work? (Is silocone glue good for such purposes? Silicone doesn't really stick; I can peel it off.)

Also, if you do drill holes for it to drain, and you water the plants, won't the water go into the aquarium, and the soil with it? Will the water that go through carry bits of soil and muddy the water?

[04cobratorchred]

That looks very good, 04cobratorchered. I probably won't be doing that with my tank though. I'm not very good at DIY stuff at all. Will tupperware silicon-glued like that work? (Is silocone glue good for such purposes? Silicone doesn't really stick; I can peel it off.)

Also, if you do drill holes for it to drain, and you water the plants, won't the water go into the aquarium, and the soil with it? Will the water that go through carry bits of soil and muddy the water?


On the bottom of the shelf i am thinking about putting a layer of charcoal and then gravel and then dirt on top of that. do you think that will work? WW it was very easy to do. i just got a tube of aquarium sealant and some plexy glass cut it to the size and then sealed it in place i used a radial arm saw to cut it and a heat gun to bend the glass. it took my dad and i about 15 mins to do it.

[tricksterpup]

What you could use is just moss in the lip and then add your plants into small pots. This way you will not get the moisture to high in this area and have a mold and mildew issue. This way with the moss, you can do weekly cleanings. Just pull out the plants and old moss and add new moss. Should be pretty easy and no fret, no mess.

http://www.southeasternnursery.com/fl/Central/8in_potted.jpg

http://altura.speedera.net/ccimg.catalogcity.com/200000/205000/205031/Products/3321732.jpg

[Emg]

Cobra, the only concern I would have is the wieght of all that stuff on the plexiglass...and whether or not the silicon will hold it. You could cut some stands from the plexiglass and place them underneath the shelf at the four corners and that should help to insure that it stays put.

[04cobratorchred]

Thanks for all the great input. Do u think if i would drill some holes in there that would work? How dirty do you think this would make my water?

[Emg]

I guess it would depend on what you use under the plants. If you use a substrate like flourite or echo-complete...it wouldn't dirty the water at all. You would just get the occasional flake of substrate that's small enough to fit through the holes...which would just drift to the bottom of the tank.

Personally I like the echo-complete because it does look an awful lot like dirt and is a good start for your plants with all the nutrients and stuff it has in it. the down side to it is that it's pretty expensive. Flourite works just as well though.

[WinterWind]

What's flourite? Could I get that at, say, petco? And it won't dirty my water?

Would potting soil like miraclegro work? Or will that dirty my water?

BTW, today I went to my LFS and took a look at their firebellys. Only had one today, and it was in the corner. About 3 inches in legnth, but skinny and so tiny! Emg, how many inches would you say yours is?

[04cobratorchred]

Does anyone know where i could order some fire belly online. i can't find them anywhere. and the pet store won't order any. Thanks

[WinterWind]

O4cobra, my LFS always has them in stock. They shoudl be fairly common. If you ask your LFS, they should stock them easily(not petco or big chain store).

If not, try this site: http://www.caudata.org/forum/ and check out the classified and make a wanted ad.

[Emg]

Some places won't sell certain things because they are illegal where you live. I think I recall some folks saying they couldn't get newts in S. Cal because they are concerned they would get loose in the wild and survive...pushing out native species....

Potting soil would probably dirty up the water....cause it to become cloudy. The flourite won't do that because it's really grains of iron rich clay. But...the thing about flourite is that it's such an incredible pain to wash all the dust off of it to begin with...lol....you have to rinse that stuff...and rinse it...and rinse it...etc..etc...etc....till the cows come home !!!

But if you take just a little bit at a time and rinse it out good it shouldn't be too difficult. Put some in the bottom of a bucket and just let the water run and run....outside preferably....until the cloudiness is rinsed from it. Keep stirring with your hands too to keep the dust up until most of it rinses out.

Forgot to tell you that last time around....lol.....sorry...

and yes...you may be able to find it at PetSmart..that's where I got my bag from.

Good luck, have fun ! :)

[04cobratorchred]

Some places won't sell certain things because they are illegal where you live. I think I recall some folks saying they couldn't get newts in S. Cal because they are concerned they would get loose in the wild and survive...pushing out native species....

Potting soil would probably dirty up the water....cause it to become cloudy. The flourite won't do that because it's really grains of iron rich clay. But...the thing about flourite is that it's such an incredible pain to wash all the dust off of it to begin with...lol....you have to rinse that stuff...and rinse it...and rinse it...etc..etc...etc....till the cows come home !!!

But if you take just a little bit at a time and rinse it out good it shouldn't be too difficult. Put some in the bottom of a bucket and just let the water run and run....outside preferably....until the cloudiness is rinsed from it. Keep stirring with your hands too to keep the dust up until most of it rinses out.

Forgot to tell you that last time around....lol.....sorry...

and yes...you may be able to find it at PetSmart..that's where I got my bag from.

Good luck, have fun ! :)


Thanks a lot EMG, i am having no luck at all on finding the fire bellys do you know of any other ones that are cool to have i was thinking eastern newts? what do you think? thanks

[WinterWind]

04cobra, have you finished setting up the tank?

I'd love to see some updated pictures ASAP!

[tricksterpup]

04cobra, have you finished setting up the tank?

I'd love to see some updated pictures ASAP!
WW, also for potting soil you can use water garden potting soil, that is like flourite, I have a huge bag of it and use it in my tanks, another product you can use is the clay kitty litter, if you wash it out thoroughly it should do nicely. But you gotta get the Clay litter only, and its dirt cheap.

[Emg]

Lol Cobra....I have only had experience with the fire bellied newts. I have heard of something called a "water puppy" which is an aquatic salamander.

Here's a site about them...they're called "axolotls"...

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/4301/axolotlgreeting.jpg

[04cobratorchred]

Here you go WW these are some pics. Don't know if it will work out or not but i am going to give it a shot.
http://img183.echo.cx/img183/555/picture0296yg.th.jpg (http://img183.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0296yg.jpg)
http://img183.echo.cx/img183/3695/picture0307zi.th.jpg (http://img183.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0307zi.jpg)
http://img183.echo.cx/img183/6918/picture0319uy.th.jpg (http://img183.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0319uy.jpg)
http://img183.echo.cx/img183/8117/picture0327rp.th.jpg (http://img183.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0327rp.jpg)
http://img183.echo.cx/img183/3840/picture0338xj.th.jpg (http://img183.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0338xj.jpg)

[04cobratorchred]

Let me know if you guys think i should change anything. i have no clue what the plants are i just found them in my backyard.

[tricksterpup]

Lol Cobra....I have only had experience with the fire bellied newts. I have heard of something called a "water puppy" which is an aquatic salamander.

Here's a site about them...they're called "axolotls"...

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/4301/axolotlgreeting.jpg
EMG alot of these tend to become tiger salamanders. I had friends who had a couple of these but they eventually became a salamander. These guys need very very clean water or it will force them to mature and leave the water. Water quality is a must for them.


Here is the info on the actual animal called the mudpuppy or water dog.

MUDPUPPY or WATERDOG
http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/accounts/amphibians/salamanders/Mudpuppy_Waterdog/Mudpuppy.jpg




Identification
This large aquatic salamander, commonly known as the Mudpuppy or Waterdog, has bushy maroon external gills behind the head. In warm or oxygen-poor water, the gills are more extensive and more brightly colored, whereas they are smaller and paler in oxygen-rich water. The majority of the body is gray or brownish-gray with blue-black blotches. The belly is lighter, generally pale gray or yellow, and may sometimes have dark spots. The tail fin is often tinged with orange or red. There are irregular dark stripes running through the small eyes, and each foot has four toes. Colors fade with age, and some older specimens may be almost black. Young and larvae can be striped with red, yellow, or dark stripes, while others are uniformly gray.



Distribution and Status
The Mudpuppy can be found from New England and adjacent southern Quebec west through the Ohio valley on to southern Manitoba, south through the Mississippi Valley to Missouri, Tennessee and North Carolina, and to northern Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. The Mudpuppy is found in all eight Midwestern states. It is considered a species of Special Concern in Ohio and Indiana, and is listed as State Endangered in Iowa. Although they can be locally common, the Mudpuppy has disappeared from many common locations.



Ecology
Although they can swim quite well, the Mudpuppy tends to live on the bottom of its aquatic habitat, burrowing under submerged objects. The species can be found in permanent bodies of water, that are at least three feet deep, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.



Threats and Management Issues
Due to their odd appearance, the Mudpuppy has been falsely labeled as dangerous, and people that catch them while fishing will often kill them. The species is also sensitive to chemicals, and population declines have been noted from the Great Lakes where chemicals were used to control lamprey populations.


Resources

General reference guides and websites.

Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.



Links to more information on the Mudpuppy outside the Herp Center

Illinois Natural History Survey (http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/index.htm?http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/accounts/amphibians/salamanders/Mudpuppy_Waterdog/&2)

University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Necturus_maculosus.html)

[04cobratorchred]

Well after about 7 pet stores i finally had one that will order the fire belly newts for me. I had them order 3 newts. And i am also going to have 2 fire belly frogs in there as well. I had a questions before they get here. Does PH matter with them if so where should it be keep at. Thanks.

[tricksterpup]

Well after about 7 pet stores i finally had one that will order the fire belly newts for me. I had them order 3 newts. And i am also going to have 2 fire belly frogs in there as well. I had a questions before they get here. Does PH matter with them if so where should it be keep at. Thanks.
IF your ph is at 7, I think you are gonna be fine. Also you stated that you have some guppies, you can probably add a few trios to that tank as well, that is if you have the common guppy. Most people would fret if their fancy got eaten.

[WinterWind]

The tank looks great cobra! Great set up!

However, I must arn you that fire-bellied toads and newts might not work in the long run. It should be species only. Your setup looks like it can support either newts or the toads, but I would strongly advise against having both in your aquarium. They both emit toxins that can be fatal to the other species. The toads are also known to bite off limbs of the newts. There are numerous "horror stories" about that on the internet.

[04cobratorchred]

The tank looks great cobra! Great set up!

However, I must arn you that fire-bellied toads and newts might not work in the long run. It should be species only. Your setup looks like it can support either newts or the toads, but I would strongly advise against having both in your aquarium. They both emit toxins that can be fatal to the other species. The toads are also known to bite off limbs of the newts. There are numerous "horror stories" about that on the internet.

WW thank you very much for letting me know that. The guy at the petstore told me they would be ok together. But now the more i read i see what your staying. i was going to do 3 newts and 2 frogs. but now i am not going to do the frogs so how many newts do you think i can do in a 10 gallon thanks.

[WinterWind]

Generally, I wouldn't put more than 4 newts in a 10 gallon. But if you dilligent with water changes, I suppose you can go with 5. Newts aren't at all social, and don't need company. And you have a filter as well, so 4 or 5 shouldn't be a problem.

[04cobratorchred]

Generally, I wouldn't put more than 4 newts in a 10 gallon. But if you dilligent with water changes, I suppose you can go with 5. Newts aren't at all social, and don't need company. And you have a filter as well, so 4 or 5 shouldn't be a problem.


Thanks. You know how your setting yours up yet?

[Emg]

Looks good cobra...the only change I would make is to use a sponge filter instead of that blue thing. The sponges work just as well but blend into the scenery alot better. To clean them all you need to do is squeeze out the sponge in the bucket that has the old water you just changed out of the tank. I use these types....
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3940&N=2004+22768

It's not exactly the same, but very similar and works the same.

[04cobratorchred]

Looks good cobra...the only change I would make is to use a sponge filter instead of that blue thing. The sponges work just as well but blend into the scenery alot better. To clean them all you need to do is squeeze out the sponge in the bucket that has the old water you just changed out of the tank. I use these types....
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3940&N=2004+22768

It's not exactly the same, but very similar and works the same.

Thanks a lot. i really don't like that blue filter i have in there right now it was just something i had laying around. also with the blue filter the water level has to be high enought to cover it and i really don't want it to be that high. So i think i am going to change it what do you think about the filters that lay down on the ground? I have been thinking about getting one of them.

[WinterWind]

Thanks. You know how your setting yours up yet?

I have some idea.

I was planning a 10 gallon, but I think I can get a used 30 gallon. I'm not sure which to go with, since I don't have a stand for the 30. I'm looking for a sturdy enough drawer for the 30 now.

I'm not making as an elaborate land part as you are, but I'm still thinking about it.

For the filter, I think I will get an internal whisper 20i model.

Maybe house 5 newts or so. :thm:

[04cobratorchred]

I have some idea.

I was planning a 10 gallon, but I think I can get a used 30 gallon. I'm not sure which to go with, since I don't have a stand for the 30. I'm looking for a sturdy enough drawer for the 30 now.

I'm not making as an elaborate land part as you are, but I'm still thinking about it.

For the filter, I think I will get an internal whisper 20i model.

Maybe house 5 newts or so. :thm:

sounds great can't wait to see it. post some pics when you get started.

[Emg]

Thanks a lot. i really don't like that blue filter i have in there right now it was just something i had laying around. also with the blue filter the water level has to be high enought to cover it and i really don't want it to be that high. So i think i am going to change it what do you think about the filters that lay down on the ground? I have been thinking about getting one of them.

Do you mean those little square ones that fit in a corner ? I believe they require some type of media..or not..lol...Yeah, one of those would probably work but if it were me I'd go with the plain sponge filter. No media to mess around with or filter pads to change. Very easy and managable and with the ones that I have I only have to slide the sponge off the bar and rinse it in the bucket, then put it back on.

[tricksterpup]

Ok, here are some underwater power filters or filters that work well with amphibians.
the canister filter for turtles from zoomed. A great little filter and would be perfect for a newt tank with multiple newts and fish. Zoomed Turtle Canister Filter
The Zoomed Turtle Canister Filter is specially designed to meet the unique filtration needs of turtle tanks or vivariums with amphibians. It features an extra large carbon chamber for maximum ammonia absorbing capabilities. Includes spray bar system, mechanical filter sponge, biologically active ceramic media and carbon. Its special water pump motor can run dry for up to 30 days without damaging the unit. Includes a manufacturer's one-year guarantee.
http://www.petsmart.com/media/ps/images/products/detail/standard/SpringCatalog05/56636_413f5.jpg

a little bit cheaper but another great filter. Aquarium Systems Duetto Multi-Function Internal Filter
Duetto Multi-Filter is a compact internal filter that efficiently packs maximum features in minimum space.

The multi-filter internal chamber has separate components for mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, permitting easy replacement and cleaning of the chemical and mechanical filter without disturbing the biological filter.

The aeration feature mixes filtered air with pumped water to provide complete aeration, improving the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange. The multiple output adapters allow either flat output for easy direction of water, or round output for easy connection to flexible tubing.

The Duetto Multi-Filter is totally submersible and can be positioned vertically against the aquarium wall, or horizontally on the floor of an aquarium or terrarium.

Can be adjusted for minimum or maximum flow.
http://www.petco.com/assets/product_images/5/5137806930B.jpghttp://www.petsmart.com/media/ps/images/products/detail/standard/i/in60/in601721_11eff.jpg


Elite® Stingray Underwater Filters by Hagen I have one of these I plan on using for my 10 gallon newt tank.
Fully submersible filter improves water quality and requires little maintenance. Sleek, modern filter design may be suctioned to aquarium glass. Features of the Elite® Stingray underwater filter models include:

* Quiet operation
* Easy to set-up and use
* Easy to maintain
* Each filter uses two carbon/Zeolite cartridges, one foam pad for the tail of the filter, and one filter pad for the body of the filter (all included with filter; replacement parts sold separately)
* 5 ft. of electrical cording

The have sizes that range for the 5 gallon to a 15 gallon tank.
http://www.petsmart.com/media/ps/images/products/detail/large/November04/lg_8133_3f7d1.jpg

[WinterWind]

sounds great can't wait to see it. post some pics when you get started.

Sure! :)

trickster, all those filters look cool! The canister is probably too expensive for me, and I can't find the other two anywhere except on the internet and am reluctant to buy on the internet. I'll probably go with the tetra internal filters:

http://www.petdiscounters.com/files/images/d_3998.jpg

It can be suctioned on the inside of the aquarium. Same concept as the hagen stingray except it has a different design.

[tricksterpup]

Sure! :)

trickster, all those filters look cool! The canister is probably too expensive for me, and I can't find the other two anywhere except on the internet and am reluctant to buy on the internet. I'll probably go with the tetra internal filters:

http://www.petdiscounters.com/files/images/d_3998.jpg

It can be suctioned on the inside of the aquarium. Same concept as the hagen stingray except it has a different design.
The other filters I listed are only about 5 dollars more than the one have shown. I paid about 14 for my stingray filter. The duetto is about the same price I belive and the canister is about $37 from petsmart online. I think that is the same price at the store. So look around, the canister would be perfect for your 30. Heck, go to your local fish store and see if they have any used ones for sale. Mine does on occassions, I got a few nice canisters from them.

[WinterWind]

I would like the canister, but I don't want to spend over a certain amount of money, and I probably won't be keeping more than 4 or 5 newts in the 30 gallon anyways, so I think it's okay. :)

[tricksterpup]

I would like the canister, but I don't want to spend over a certain amount of money, and I probably won't be keeping more than 4 or 5 newts in the 30 gallon anyways, so I think it's okay. :)
cool but I wouldnt go with the filter you showed. I have a few here and they are only good for 2 1/2 and 5 gallon tanks. Try the sting ray is only good for about 15 gallon tanks and they do make duettos for larger setups. But the larger the setup, the more the filter. But with a setup like this, you can keep small fish in a tank with your newts, such as endlers, guppies or even dwarf live bearers.

[WinterWind]

The tetra i are actually good for 20-40 actually, at least the product descriptions say.

[tricksterpup]

The tetra i are actually good for 20-40 actually, at least the product descriptions say.
Then that should work. I just like the underwater canister filters out there. you can use them to do water falls in your tank if you ever wanted to. :)

[WinterWind]

Then that should work. I just like the underwater canister filters out there. you can use them to do water falls in your tank if you ever wanted to. :)

I probably couldn't make a nice waterfall if I tried. Lol. I just might put a rock under the waterfall part.

[tricksterpup]

Practice makes perfect. :D
But I know what you mean. I am currently working on my newt tank, hopefully in a few weeks I will post pictures of it.

[WinterWind]

Good luck with it. I look forward to the pictures!

I'm still looking for a suitable place to put my tank, since I don't have a stand that can hold a 30 gallon currently.

[WinterWind]

When are you getting your firebelly newts, cobra? :)

[04cobratorchred]

i got my fire bellys today i got four of them they look great. i was wondering if they are ok on land all day. it seems like they don't go into the water at all. i put one in the water when i first put him in the tank and he swam for a min and then just sank to the bottom. then it looked like he had a hard time crawling up the driftwood. do you think this is ok?

[tricksterpup]

i got my fire bellys today i got four of them they look great. i was wondering if they are ok on land all day. it seems like they don't go into the water at all. i put one in the water when i first put him in the tank and he swam for a min and then just sank to the bottom. then it looked like he had a hard time crawling up the driftwood. do you think this is ok?
Give them time, i would do the handling down to a minium, since our oils in our hands can be deadly to them. But in time they should be fine and swimming around and eating like little pigs.

[Emg]

Mine never go in the water. They hang around on the platform I made for them and even climb the plant I have in there and sit on the leaves. I just put a piece of bark in there for them to crawl under...which they do.

Don't worry about them, just make sure they can get on land any time they want. As long as they have the choice to go in the water or not, they should be fine.

[04cobratorchred]

thanks guys. one more thing i am feeding them blood worms so what i did was took a milk cap and made it even with the dirt and then put the blood worms in there will they eat at there own time? thanks

[tricksterpup]

thanks guys. one more thing i am feeding them blood worms so what i did was took a milk cap and made it even with the dirt and then put the blood worms in there will they eat at there own time? thanks
No, you would want to place the blood worms in the tank itself, they will eat them there.
You can feed them frozen brine shrimp, blood worms, daphnia, probably small frozen krill as well. Also fresh chopped worms make an excellent dinner for them. But you also must remember these guys are touchier than fish in water quality, so you should do weekly changes as a minium.
Amphibians are the canary for water tests, many companies use them for this reason. They are very suspetable to many ailments if not properly taken care of.

[WinterWind]

i got my fire bellys today i got four of them they look great. i was wondering if they are ok on land all day. it seems like they don't go into the water at all. i put one in the water when i first put him in the tank and he swam for a min and then just sank to the bottom. then it looked like he had a hard time crawling up the driftwood. do you think this is ok?

If they are quite small, then they are probably in the eft stage, where they are mainly terrestrial and rarely enter the water.

[greendeltatke]

04cobratorchred, have you found the site www.caudata.org? They have fantastically detailed articles, caresheets, forums, etc. I've been getting ready for some Eastern Red Spotted Newts and I've learned a ton from that site.

[04cobratorchred]

Thanks a lot green thats a great site. Also i have 2 clear light bulb's 15w/120v do you think this is to much on the newts. it seems to be putting off a lot of heat.

[greendeltatke]

Sorry, I'm new at newts myself so I don't really know first hand. Reading other people's posts it seems that overheating is a big problem for newts, though. Some people recommend a screen lid with no lighting at all.

[tricksterpup]

Thanks a lot green thats a great site. Also i have 2 clear light bulb's 15w/120v do you think this is to much on the newts. it seems to be putting off a lot of heat.
Try the screw in Power compacts instead of Incandecent. This would help any plants you would want for them and it would put off little heat.
http://www.bulbs.com/multimedia/images/37100.jpg

[04cobratorchred]

i was just looking at one of my newts and it is missing its front two feet. there is just a white little numb there. it looks like he has a hard time swimming and climing up stuff should i do anything for him.

[04cobratorchred]

one more thing it seems they are shedding there skin and then eating it off there body do you guys know anything about this. i was trying to read some but didn't really come up with anything.

[Emg]

Was he missing the feet when you bought him? Sometimes the LFS keep these things in tanks with fish....and they get thier feet nipped off.

Mine have never shed thier skin that I know of...... :huh:

[tricksterpup]

Why won’t my newt go in the water?

First, be sure that your newt is an aquatic species. Some, such as Tylototriton shanjing, are not supposed to live in water. If your aquatic newt is not going in the water, it is usually caused by one or more of the following:

Illness. Sometimes sick newts head for land.
Stress. Stress can be caused by other animals in the water, being in a new environment, too much handling, a current in the water, temperature too high, etc.
Bad water. Use a product that removes chloramine. Remove uneaten food promptly. Check the ammonia level, especially if the tank is new. Keep the temperature below 72°F (22°C), even cooler if possible.
Habit. Sometimes a newt just gets in the habit of living on land and is reluctant to enter the water, which is a strange new environment.
Youth. Juvenile newts of many species tend to be more terrestrial (usually the first year or two after they metamorphose). If your newt is very small (under 3 inches) this may be a factor.
Nocturnal habits. Some newts enter the water at night and stay out during the day.
Pecking order. The dominant newt may stay in the water, causing the smaller one to stay out. Since firebelly newts are not very aggressive or territorial, it should be possible to get them into the water.

How can I get my newt to go into the water?

Aquatic newts are easier to care for, grow faster, and are generally more healthy than newts that stay on land. Obviously, this does not apply to species that are naturally terrestrial. To encourage an aquatic newt to go into the water, try the following.

Test the water to make sure there is nothing wrong with it. See Water Quality FAQs.
Give it a few days to acclimate to its new surroundings. Do not handle it, keep the lights off, and generally do everything you can to reduce its stress level.
Get rid of any fish or other animals in the water.
Keep it cooler. The least stressful temperatures for most newts are 50-68°F.
Put the newt(s) in a shallow water setup (1-2 inches of water). Provide lots of plants in the water, and lots of wading areas and resting places just below the water surface. Because the water is so shallow, skip the filter and gravel, just use an airstone and remove debris daily with a turkey baster or siphon. Once the newt has adjusted to water, raise the water level.
Spray the land and newt with water daily.
Put some tempting food in the water. Live blackworms will stay alive in the water until eaten.


My newt’s skin is coming off. Is that normal?

If the skin is coming off all in one piece, it’s just normal shedding. It is also normal for the newt (or another newt in the tank) to eat the shed skin. However, if the skin comes off in small, flakey pieces, or if the skin gets stuck around the animal's abdomen or legs during shedding, these can be signs of illness.

My firebelly newt's toe/foot/leg is gone! What happened and what should I do?

There are two possibilities. A tankmate could have bitten off the leg. In this case, remove the offending tankmate. Or else the leg eroded away due to infection. This is fairly common in newly-acquired Chinese firebellies. Keep the newt cool and clean. If the newt is strong enough, the leg will grow back. If there are signs of infection, see Treatment of Infected Wounds in Newts (http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/sores.shtml).

[04cobratorchred]

thanks you very much trick that was great info.

[Yo_Loach]

EMG! THAT PICTURE OF YOUR 5 GALLON ....WOW! AMAZING! I LOVE IT SOO MUCH!


I keep my red belly in my 5 galloon with two black tetras 3 pgmy cories. It has an underwater filter and is seeming to work out alright.

I have the water level about halfway, with some lilly pads and floating decor and it can get up on top of the filter aswell

[Emg]

Thanks for the compliment Yo. I really enjoy that tank. I have since added a piece of bark with some lichen on it so they could crawl under it. Guess I'll have to add another pic here of it....lol...

[tricksterpup]

Thanks for the compliment Yo. I really enjoy that tank. I have since added a piece of bark with some lichen on it so they could crawl under it. Guess I'll have to add another pic here of it....lol...
EMG please, do, would love to see updated picts of your tank. I am currently waiting to get ahold of some eastern Newts myself. They are still not available or in season yet.

Yo_Loach: if you can, please post some pictures of your setup. We would love to see your little guys.

Cobra: also lets see how your setup is going, post us some picts. :)

[mooman]

mine thrive on the small sized crickets. You wouldn't think they could catch them, put they do.

[Emg]

OK..here's a few pics I took of my newt tank tonight....

http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_79.jpg


http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_80.jpg


http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_82.jpg

[WinterWind]

Try the screw in Power compacts instead of Incandecent. This would help any plants you would want for them and it would put off little heat.
http://www.bulbs.com/multimedia/images/37100.jpg

Do these bulbs give off heat? Are they like flourescents but just use a incadescent fixture?

BTW, o4ocobra, if you take care of your newts with good water quality and food, then the legs should regenerate.

[04cobratorchred]

Here are some updated pics. I am not to sure about the tank set up yet. It seems that the newts are not to happy in there so i think i might change it and take the shelf out and just have it like the pet stores do with some water and rocks that they can clime on. what do you guys think.
http://img33.echo.cx/img33/315/faceon5au.th.jpg (http://img33.echo.cx/my.php?image=faceon5au.jpg)
http://img33.echo.cx/img33/1684/newt0fd.th.jpg (http://img33.echo.cx/my.php?image=newt0fd.jpg)
http://img33.echo.cx/img33/4314/newt29yh.th.jpg (http://img33.echo.cx/my.php?image=newt29yh.jpg)
http://img33.echo.cx/img33/8189/top1lc.th.jpg (http://img33.echo.cx/my.php?image=top1lc.jpg)

[tricksterpup]

Do these bulbs give off heat? Are they like flourescents but just use a incadescent fixture?

BTW, o4ocobra, if you take care of your newts with good water quality and food, then the legs should regenerate.
I have never noticed any huge amounts of heat from them.

[Kasakato]

This is like soo off topic, but carry on...

[SCU33ZE]

just tagging along

CFs dont produce mush heat (making this usefull)

[04cobratorchred]

Also how exactly do you feed them I have been trying bloodworms and it seems that they are not eating them at all. I have read that it might take a day or two for them to eat but I just want to see if I am doing it right. I put a milk cap in there and put the bloodworms in there. Here is a pic do you think this should work?
http://img57.echo.cx/img57/4558/picture0252wu.th.jpg (http://img57.echo.cx/my.php?image=picture0252wu.jpg)

[tricksterpup]

Cobra:
Ok, I understand these are your first newts but you should've read up on them before doing all of this.
From my previous post.
Spray the land and newt with water daily.
Put some tempting food in the water. Live blackworms will stay alive in the water until eaten.

Newts will eat their food in the water. You can also tempt them with frozen foods that are placed in the water. Please buy a book on newts and salamanders and read it through. I am not trying to flame you here, but this is basical pet principle 101. Always research your pets before you buy them. Before I undertake a new fish, I do reseach about them, this is one reason I have adopted my iguanas in the past. People bought them on a whim and did not know how to care for them.

But this is off your question, and topic so no more mention of this from me.

Feeding:
Feeds on a variety of invertebrate prey in the wild. Will feed on an assortment of live and non-living foods in captivity: earthworms, chopped nightcrawlers, bloodworms (live and frozen), mosquito larvae, glassworms, glass/ghost shrimp, lean strips of beefheart, freeze-dried tubifex cubes. While many will eat commercial "newt-pellets", many will not and if your animals do not appear interested in them, try something else.Many try to feed this species guppies and other small fish. While these newts do indeed occasionally catch small fish in captivity (I have witnessed this many times myself), they are not particularly adept at it or adapted to it the way Pachytriton spp. (paddletails) newts seem to be. There are also very real concerns with the fish introducing parasites and fungal and bacterial infections and one should carefully consider this before using feeder guppies.
So check out this link.
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Cynops/C_pyrrhogaster.shtml


And from this following link (http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Cynops/C_orientalis.shtml)


Feeding

Very little is known about the prey items of these newts in their natural habitat, but they probably feed on a variety of invertebrates and amphibian larvae and eggs in the wild. Methods of prey capture have been shown to be active hunting-foraging and/or ambush. In captivity they will eat a variety of food items including earthworms, chopped nightcrawlers, tadpoles, glass shrimp, waxworms, bloodworms (live and frozen), and freeze-dried tubifex cubes. Though some will eat commercial “newt pellets” or other processed foods, many will not and if your animal does not appear interested in them, try something else.

Newly purchased individuals may refuse to eat for several days. While this can be a sign of illness, it is also a common behavior of healthy newts when faced with the stress of a new captive environment. If your newt does not appear ill, then the best course of action is to remain patient. Eventually, the instinct to eat will prevail.


So check out the links I presented to you, they should help you with your pets.
Also check out this list it should help as well. http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Salamandridae.shtml

[WinterWind]

04cobra, I think it would be a good idea to rid of the plexi glass island. It seems too big and invasive, limiting the swimming space of the tank. You could use a floating peice of corkbark with a suction cup, or a pile of rocks, though that may be unsafe.

[04cobratorchred]

Cobra:
Ok, I understand these are your first newts but you should've read up on them before doing all of this.
From my previous post.


Newts will eat their food in the water. You can also tempt them with frozen foods that are placed in the water. Please buy a book on newts and salamanders and read it through. I am not trying to flame you here, but this is basical pet principle 101. Always research your pets before you buy them. Before I undertake a new fish, I do reseach about them, this is one reason I have adopted my iguanas in the past. People bought them on a whim and did not know how to care for them.

But this is off your question, and topic so no more mention of this from me.


So check out this link.
http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Cynops/C_pyrrhogaster.shtml


And from this following link (http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Cynops/C_orientalis.shtml)



So check out the links I presented to you, they should help you with your pets.
Also check out this list it should help as well. http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Salamandridae.shtml

Thanks you very much for all your help trick i really appreciate it. Sorry for any trouble i have caused with the newts, and i really do understand what your saying. I did a lot of research on the net before i bought them and that’s why i set the tank up the way i did. But now after having them it doesn't seem like the best way. And feeding them it just took some time to see what they wanted i tried dry newt pellets today after trying bloodworms, and night crawlers and they did eat the pellets. Once again thanks a lot for all your help.

Mark

[04cobratorchred]

04cobra, I think it would be a good idea to rid of the plexi glass island. It seems too big and invasive, limiting the swimming space of the tank. You could use a floating peice of corkbark with a suction cup, or a pile of rocks, though that may be unsafe.

Thanks WW i am going to take the plexi glass out and pile the rocks up on one side of the tank so its easer for them to get on and off land.

[Emg]

LOL....I think because this post came at the bottom of the last page, some may have missed the pics. Thought I would repost them because some had asked to see them.....besides...I'm a showoff... :D :rolleyes:



OK..here's a few pics I took of my newt tank tonight....

http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_79.jpg


http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_80.jpg


http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_82.jpg

[Emg]

Cobra....I think if you covered all of the dirt with moss they would be much better off. In one of the pics it looks like the little fella was a bit overwhelmed trying to navigate through it. I covered my substrate completely with moss so they have a nice carpet to walk on.

I feed my newts by hand......using a chopstick I scoop out some black worms and hold them right in front of thier faces and they scoff them down. I also feed freeze dried tubifex worms the same way..soaking them in the tank water first so it sticks to the chopstick.

I think your newts would like the land area if you just cover the dirt with some moss...be patient and give them some time to adjust. Have something in there that they can hide under too, they will feel more secure. Mine hang out under the plant in the corner most of the time...and now the piece of bark I have in there is a happy hangout for them too.

AND......you can do all the research you can find before you buy something new.....and still have to learn from experience once you bring them home. Reading about something and then actually working with it can be two different things. You're doing fine cobra, just keep doing the 'educated' trial and error thing until you find something that works for them.

I would keep the land...just more moss ground cover and places to hide. :D

[04cobratorchred]

Cobra....I think if you covered all of the dirt with moss they would be much better off. In one of the pics it looks like the little fella was a bit overwhelmed trying to navigate through it. I covered my substrate completely with moss so they have a nice carpet to walk on.

I feed my newts by hand......using a chopstick I scoop out some black worms and hold them right in front of thier faces and they scoff them down. I also feed freeze dried tubifex worms the same way..soaking them in the tank water first so it sticks to the chopstick.

I think your newts would like the land area if you just cover the dirt with some moss...be patient and give them some time to adjust. Have something in there that they can hide under too, they will feel more secure. Mine hang out under the plant in the corner most of the time...and now the piece of bark I have in there is a happy hangout for them too.

AND......you can do all the research you can find before you buy something new.....and still have to learn from experience once you bring them home. Reading about something and then actually working with it can be two different things. You're doing fine cobra, just keep doing the 'educated' trial and error thing until you find something that works for them.

I would keep the land...just more moss ground cover and places to hide. :D

Thanks a lot EMG. My dad said the same thing that i could research them for years but when i get them its a whole different thing. I went back in the woods today and get a bunch more moss and i put it in there with some cover so they have some places to hide, so i will see how that works. thanks a lot for all your help.

Your set up looks great. the plants and all couldn't look any better. great job on it all.

[tricksterpup]

Thanks you very much for all your help trick i really appreciate it. Sorry for any trouble i have caused with the newts, and i really do understand what your saying. I did a lot of research on the net before i bought them and that’s why i set the tank up the way i did. But now after having them it doesn't seem like the best way. And feeding them it just took some time to see what they wanted i tried dry newt pellets today after trying bloodworms, and night crawlers and they did eat the pellets. Once again thanks a lot for all your help.

Mark
Mark, not a problem and I hope I didnt come on to strong. I have seen to many people come on this board and buy pets that they had no clue about. I am glad you read up on your pets.
But I would go with what EMG stated, those guys do need cover and adding moss to the dirt will help them alot. These guys do love cover and since this is a new home, they are going to be stressed so do not worry about them eating right away. But I would keep on your wounded one, so he doesnt get an infection in that leg. So do regular water changes, every other day and keep an eye on him. I am thinking for my future tank, I am going to add a trio of common guppies, endlers or even dwarf livebearers, but not the fancy Guppies you have, to big for the species of newts I want. But yours, those are some nice looking guppies.
and yes, as EMG has stated, you can be having a pet for years and still doing research to know new things about them. I am constantly learning in this hobby even after 30+ years later.
I never noticed that EMG had a female betta in hers, that is really nice as well. Another fish that might work well with the Japanese Fire belly newts might be the Medaka or Japanese Rice fish. I love keeping animals from the same biotope.
http://www.wildlife.or.jp/hp/nature/koredake/7-17/medaka.jpg
http://www.adachi.ne.jp/users/seibutu/ikimono_pages/image/medaka.jpg

[WinterWind]

Fire-belly newts also really appreciate dense plant cover in the water as well. I read that their natural habitat is very densely vegetated.

On feeding, try placing a small dish that's clearly visible at the bottom of the tank, then drop blood worms onto it. The food will be visible, and newts find food through their sense of smell, so they will not really find it on land.

[Emg]

Actually, they are attracted to wriggly things too....anything that moves and looks small enough for them to eat, but not big enough to eat them.

[04cobratorchred]

I placed a cap in the middle of the tank with the bloodworms in it and that is working great. Thanks!!! I am also going to buy some corkscrew plants and put them in the water do you think that will work ok.

[tricksterpup]

A great water plant for your newts would be Hornwort and I think they would also love duck weed.
Both plants pretty easy to find and cheap.
Hornwort
http://home.clara.net/xenotoca/hornwort.jpg

Duck Weed
http://www.mobot.org/jwcross/duckweed/graphics/frog_in_duckweed.gif

[WinterWind]

Hornwort and duckweek would both be great plants for a newt tank. Another plant, which is also very commonly available, cheap, and hardy, which will do well in a newt tank is anacharis. It's very easy to grow. You should just throw some to float on the top, and that will make great cover for the newts and they should be much more comfortable. It also likes lower temperatures (but can thrive in the tropical temps as well) that newts like.

http://www.aqua-mart.com/graphics/anacharis.jpg

[greendeltatke]

If you have to go with fake plants for a while, try one of those silk ivy vines you get at craft stores. The vines have wire in the stems so you can bend them to any shape. I made mine into a big shrub like plant and just let it float. My eastern newts are really loving their ivy "shrub". The newts are lights enough to use the leaves are floating islands. The cost of my vine-$3.

[WinterWind]

04cobra, are you using incadescent lighting?

If you are I would recommend strongly against it. FBNs shoudl not be kept above 75 degrees. They actually like much cooler water.

[tricksterpup]

If you have to go with fake plants for a while, try one of those silk ivy vines you get at craft stores. The vines have wire in the stems so you can bend them to any shape. I made mine into a big shrub like plant and just let it float. My eastern newts are really loving their ivy "shrub". The newts are lights enough to use the leaves are floating islands. The cost of my vine-$3.
Green,.
Do you have any pictures of your setup? It would be cool to see many different types of setup here on this thread.
Here are some recommended books that may help with Newt husbandry. :)
http://www.petbookexpress.com/images/covers/TU023.jpg
http://www.petbookexpress.com/images/covers/LR100.jpg

[greendeltatke]

I'll try and take pictures when the new tank cloudiness settles down. I didn't cycle the tank first when I put these guys in. I know caudata.org thinks it is necessary, but the breeder I bought it from said no, go ahead. I trust him, he lives with 200 newts and salamanders. THe annoying thing is that the breeder has these newts used to eating crickets. So, we are back in the cricket keeping business. I think its fine nutritionally, its just a hassle to keep live crickets and gut load them.

[04cobratorchred]

When i was watching the newts eat today (bloodworms) they fight for there food. I think this is how the one lost his hands. They really bit each other pretty hard. I am going to try putting the bloodworms in two different spots next time i feed them.

[tricksterpup]

When i was watching the newts eat today (bloodworms) they fight for there food. I think this is how the one lost his hands. They really bit each other pretty hard. I am going to try putting the bloodworms in two different spots next time i feed them.
Yeah, spread the wealth and also try other frozen foods. If you can find it Daphnia is a great food source and if you can find any for your tank, SCUDS. Nice tiny shrimp like creatures that are about 1/4th an inch. Plus if they are not eaten by the newts or any small fish you have in your tank; they would be fun to watch.

[WinterWind]

Here are some set-ups from caudata.org:

http://www.caudata.org/cc/images/articles/tanks/semi3MACKE.jpg

http://www.caudata.org/cc/images/articles/tanks/semi4DEURLOO.jpg

http://www.caudata.org/cc/images/articles/tanks/semi11MACKE.jpg

http://www.caudata.org/cc/images/articles/tanks/semi10MACKE.jpg

[04cobratorchred]

Thanks a lot trick I will give that a shot. WW those are some very nice set ups, have you started on yours yet?

[tricksterpup]

http://www.petbookexpress.com/images/covers/TU023.jpg


I just wanted to say that I just actually picked this book up today and it is a pretty nifty book. I think it is a great beginner book and I found it at a used book store for $3. :) I just love building up my library. But its very helpful book for everyone, So i give a huge thumbs up. When I recommend a book, i also own it.

I also walked into the local petco near that book store and asked if they had any newts. The kid looked at me and asked if they were frogs. I said no. They are amphibians but nothing like frogs and then met his manager a few feet away and asked if he could help me. I again asked if they had newts and he didn't have any. Not in season yet, that is the same thing my lfs told me. But I told the manager that his employees didnt know what a newt was and wasnt sure where they would be located in his store. I think he was going to have a talk with the fish dept now.

[04cobratorchred]

http://www.petbookexpress.com/images/covers/TU023.jpg


I just wanted to say that I just actually picked this book up today and it is a pretty nifty book. I think it is a great beginner book and I found it at a used book store for $3. :) I just love building up my library. But its very helpful book for everyone, So i give a huge thumbs up. When I recommend a book, i also own it.

I also walked into the local petco near that book store and asked if they had any newts. The kid looked at me and asked if they were frogs. I said no. They are amphibians but nothing like frogs and then met his manager a few feet away and asked if he could help me. I again asked if they had newts and he didn't have any. Not in season yet, that is the same thing my lfs told me. But I told the manager that his employees didnt know what a newt was and wasnt sure where they would be located in his store. I think he was going to have a talk with the fish dept now.

I am going to try and pick that book up this week. I still wondering how some people start working at the pet store. I really wonder if some of them have even set up a fish tank themselves or any other kind of tank for that matter.

[greendeltatke]

My eastern newts are demanding live food only. I've tried crickets and blackworms with a little success. The really big hit has been plain old earthworms from our backyard. I put a three inch worm in the tank without cutting it up. A four inch newt immediately grabbed it and started swallowing it whole like a snake! The little guy managed to eat the whole thing in less than a minute. I felt proud and nauseous at the same time. Guess I'll have to find a bait shop come winter.

[04cobratorchred]

My eastern newts are demanding live food only. I've tried crickets and blackworms with a little success. The really big hit has been plain old earthworms from our backyard. I put a three inch worm in the tank without cutting it up. A four inch newt immediately grabbed it and started swallowing it whole like a snake! The little guy managed to eat the whole thing in less than a minute. I felt proud and nauseous at the same time. Guess I'll have to find a bait shop come winter.


LOL thats funny he can eat the whole thing without any problems with it. just get a bunch of them and keep them in a pot during the winter.

[tricksterpup]

I felt proud and nauseous at the same time. Guess I'll have to find a bait shop come winter.
Green,
What you can do during the winter and summer months is get a worm box and just get plenty and keep them in there. You can buy these boxes for worms at any walmart or baitshop that sells fishing supplies.
http://www.magicproducts.com/images/worm_ranch.jpg

jim

[greendeltatke]

Worm boxes. Yum! Well it can't be any worse than cricket ranching. Why do we get ourselves into these hobbies anyway? ;)

[tricksterpup]

Worm boxes. Yum! Well it can't be any worse than cricket ranching. Why do we get ourselves into these hobbies anyway? ;)
Worm boxes, much better way of food source than keeping black worms alive in your fridge. i have to deal with an upset girl friend with that stuff. I am glad I have a spare tiny fridge for that stuff.
:)

[WinterWind]

I still haven't set up my tank yet. I'm waiting for summer or something because there's school and all that stuff. I might not do a newt tank anymore, maybe fire-bellied toads, since I won't be able to keep the water cool enough.

[greendeltatke]

Winterwind, you might be surprised at how much cooler a tank with a screen lid and no strip light can be than a tank with a traditional aquarium hood. My 20 gallon with a full Eclipse hood and 30w of lightings stays steady at 74 degrees. My 29 gallon newt tank with screen lid and wall mounted compact flourescent stays at 68 degrees. They are in adjacent rooms with the same central air conditioning and both are beside windows. I think having a canister filter helps alot too. I sprung for the zoo med turtle filter, and it doesn't raise the temp at all.

[Emg]

Here's another newt setup. Added the plants today...also add a rather large fat black and white newt I found in my yard today...lol...he's underneath the moss. Definitly needs more cover in here for him/her....a bit at a time. I used moss from my backyard btw. Great stuff !

This is a little 5 gallon tank I picked up at an lfs for 4$. One of thier used leftovers. Works for me ! This has a small striplight with a 10Watt compact flourescent light. The strip light cost me all of 11$...plus tax.

http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_85.jpg

[WinterWind]

Cool setup, emg! :)

Any idea of what newts you got?

[Emg]

I saw some in the LFS today and they called them tiger newts or something like that...can't remember exactly what. I'll have to pull him out and get a pic for you. He's pretty cool...fat and chunkie...lol....black, with white tiger like stripes

[Emg]

Here's a pic of him/her. Pretty cool !

http://www.bellaonline.com/misc/rateme/photos/photo3081.jpg


I also have two fire bellied newts as well Winter..here's a pic of them..

http://wetwebfotos.com/usermedia/high/4/6434_15.jpg

[tricksterpup]

EMG,
Looks to me you have a tiger salamander, a really cool amphibian in my book. I have had a few in my time and they make great pets, take good care of him and you should have him for a long time.


Winterwind, you might be surprised at how much cooler a tank with a screen lid and no strip light can be than a tank with a traditional aquarium hood. My 20 gallon with a full Eclipse hood and 30w of lightings stays steady at 74 degrees. My 29 gallon newt tank with screen lid and wall mounted compact flourescent stays at 68 degrees. They are in adjacent rooms with the same central air conditioning and both are beside windows. I think having a canister filter helps alot too. I sprung for the zoo med turtle filter, and it doesn't raise the temp at all.


greendeltatke, I think you are on to something, usually lids keep heat and humidity in side the tank. Keeping a screen top will allow your tank to breathe and you would not get fungus or other nasties in there.
And a zoo med turtle filter is the way to go IMO, it can handle the bio load a a few newts and fish and will help your water quality if you do not change the water as often as you should.

[Emg]

Yeah Trickster....I saw some really large specimen in one of the LFSs the same day I found this guy in my yard. I didn't look to see how much they were asking for them. We also get these black salamanders with white spots...and ones with yellow spots when you are lucky enough to find them. I usually just show the kids and then let them go...but this is the biggest one I've found so far. Thought he was pretty cool myself...now I have to go out and dig up some worms for him...lol.... :rolleyes:

[greendeltatke]

Emg, that looks like a marbled salamander, Ambystoma opacum. The folks at www.caudata.org would know for sure. They have species specific care sheets there if you are interested. He looks like a nice fat little guy. Or girl. :huh: I really wouldn't know the difference.

[WinterWind]

Tiger salamanders:

http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/VHS/Tiger%20Salamander%20(Ambystoma%20%20tigrinum)300l r.jpg

http://www.myrtlekraftcottage.com/myrtlekraftcottage/tiger_salamander.jpg


Marbled salamanders:

http://www.humboldt.edu/~rap1/Herps/Salamanders/068.jpg

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Images/amphibians/Salamander,%20Marbled2.jpg

[shadrac]

ok i just sat and read all of these post and looked at all the pics and now im pretty sure im going to do this but with firebelly toads. but i have a question now emg has a female betta with her newts and i was thinking that cool but i would like a male betta. now the thing im worried about is not the betta being mean to the frog but the other way around would the frog pick on the betta sap its fins or anything or are they peacful like adfs also on that last note could i put adfs in the tank as well i thnk that would be great.

[WinterWind]

I think a firebelly toad will pick on the betta. They will probably try to eat it! Not sure if that is too great of a combintation...

[Emg]

Well, ADFs are pretty pretty peaceful but even they will snap at a betta if they get too close....they're just really too small to do much of any harm. Firebellied toads get a bit larger.

I once saw my adf go for a nantucket sleigh ride on one of my bettas...lol...he grabbed his tail and off he went ....it was pretty funny, but I did end up taking the toad out of the tank so that wouldn't happen again. He was in that river tank setup and the water just isn't deep enough for the fish to get away from the frog.

[shadrac]

ya i was thinking it over in my head last night i dont think im going to put a betta in with the firebellys but do you know if the firebellys would get along with the adfs.

[tricksterpup]

Shadrac,
Toads and frogs will eat anything that will fit into their mouths. If you would put anything in your tank, I would try common guppies. They are fast and would pretty much leave the toads alone as well as avoiding being lunch. And plus they would breed and keep a constant supply of fry for you.
jim

[04cobratorchred]

Shadrac,
Toads and frogs will eat anything that will fit into their mouths. If you would put anything in your tank, I would try common guppies. They are fast and would pretty much leave the toads alone as well as avoiding being lunch. And plus they would breed and keep a constant supply of fry for you.
jim


Thats a good point i have some guppies in my newt tank and they bread like crazy. Every morning i wake up it seems like there are more little ones in there.

[Emg]

Hey...free food supply...maybe I should get some guppies to feed my betta with.... :D

[WinterWind]

I've been doing some research on fire-bellied toads, but I get conflicting information. Some sites say they prefer 3/4 land and 1/4 water, yet others say 1/4 land and 3/4 water. Which combination is better?

[shadrac]

ok i have another idea im not sure i would do it since it would cast alot but if it did work i would be awsome. my LFS has poisen arrow frogs do you think that this would work with the toads.
the reason i was thinking this is because the arrow frogs are in a tank with a stream and waterfall and im all like hmmm interesting then my head wount stop comming up with ideas for about a week or i see something else new. i cant help it its how i am

[Emg]

I think you are better off just keeping one species with only like kinds. Especially with the dart frogs. They can be so expensive it's not worth risking one of them getting eaten.

If you want fire bellied toads, then just do up a tank with only those in it. If you want another something, do up another tank for them.

[tricksterpup]

I am with EMG on this one, stick with only PA frogs or just the toads, but remember witht he PA frogs you can not have to much water. They will drown in pools.
As for how much water for the FB toads, I would go with a 25% land and 75% water but I would have floating logs in the water and duck weed in there as well. Give those guys plenty of cover.

[Emg]

Poison Arrow or Dart Frogs don't need much water at all actually. They don't swim in it...only leave thier young in small pools to grow. Their tanks only need to be misted every day with a lid on to keep the moisture in.

I am working on a dart frog habitat with my daughter. All we need are the frogs. Guess I should post a pic of that one too....lol...

Here's a site with info on the dart frogs...it's a store near where I live that deals in pretty exclusivly dart frogs and the plants that go with them. The two fellas who run this business go to South America pretty regularly looking for new and interesting ideas for habitats and critters. They only deal in captive bred.

www.blackjungle.com/basics.htm (http://)

[04cobratorchred]

Come on EMG you know we want to see some pics of this one.

[tricksterpup]

EMG,
Mantellas would be cool as well as PAs.
[

[WinterWind]

PD frogs are so colourful!

Here are some pics:

http://www.easyamphibians.co.uk/dendrobates/images/dendrobates-azureus.jpg

http://www.emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/zoo/animals/graphics/pdfrog.jpg

http://www.kingsnake.com/toxinology/images/poison_dart1.jpg

[Emg]

I have a hankerin to get me one of them thar Citronella variations of the D. tinctorius species of the poison arrow/dart frogs...(heehee...that would be similar to the yellow and blue in the middle up top)

There are sooo many different colors to choose from in these beauties....just gotta love em !

Winter, would you know what the name of that middle frog is...and what species ? It's probably a tinctorius or auratus of some variety...

[tricksterpup]

PD frogs are so colourful!

Here are some pics:


http://www.emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/zoo/animals/graphics/pdfrog.jpg


This looks to be the Yellow Sipaliwini: D. tinctorius

But here are my favorites
MANTELLAS: Painted, Betsilio
http://www.reptiledepot.com/pics/paintm2.jpg

Red Eye Tree frog
http://www.reptiledepot.com/pics/ared1.jpg

[Emg]

Wow Trickster...I've never seen that painted betsilio before !! Beautiful !

I too really like the red eye tree frog....but they get a bit bigger than I want to deal with.

[04cobratorchred]

Were would you buy these frogs at. i have never seen any at my LPS

[Emg]

Here's a site that sells these neat little frogs. Their place is FABULOUS ! All they do there is dart frogs, tropical plants and all the 'stuff' you need to set up terreriums and vivariums. Thier store is FULL of tanks with all sorts of dart frogs in them...all kinds of setups. They breed them right there in the store and only sell captive bred stock.

I've only been there once, am waiting for them to get the frogs in that I want so I can go pick them up.

http://www.blackjungle.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BJTS&Category_Code=AA

[tricksterpup]

Another great online ordering for amphibians is
http://www.reptiledepot.com/

[Emg]

The thing I like about the BlackJungle place, is that they deal ONLY and SPECIFICALLY with poison dart frogs and the tropical plants that a habitat for them would go well with. They have thier own greenhouse at another site and breed the frogs right there on the premises. These fellas know thier stuff.

I'm just glad I live so close by them...sadly, not close enough to make regular trips there, but close enough for a jog up from time to time.

[tricksterpup]

The thing I like about the BlackJungle place, is that they deal ONLY and SPECIFICALLY with poison dart frogs and the tropical plants that a habitat for them would go well with. They have thier own greenhouse at another site and breed the frogs right there on the premises. These fellas know thier stuff.

I'm just glad I live so close by them...sadly, not close enough to make regular trips there, but close enough for a jog up from time to time.


Getting back to the subject, its a shame there isnt a place like this that deals with Newts. :(

[greendeltatke]

Yeah, caudata.org has some really good articles, but the forum there is SLOWWWW.

[tricksterpup]

hey anyone, any more pictures? I will hopefully be posting some in the next few weeks here.

[greendeltatke]

My USB port is still busted, so no pictures. I do have a caution for those buying eastern newts. I finally figured out that mine came with a nasty, very contagious bacteria they call red leg in amphibians. In fish I guess its a form of septicemia. I lost two newts almost immediately. I've read all over the place that these guys are very susceptible to parasites and bacterial infections. I'm treating the whole tank at once with maracyn-two. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but I'm afraid that soon I will have another empty tank to play with.

[04cobratorchred]

When i first bought my newts one of them was missing his legs. Well now it seems like they are growing back. I have been trying to keep the water very clean for him so i think its starting to work.

[greendeltatke]

You must be doing a good job of it. Congratulations! I've learned the hard way that cycling a tank is as important for newts as it is for fish. As soon as I'm done with the anti-bacterial treatment I'm going to reestablish the biological filter with bio spira and a new batch of ceramic rings.

[Kasakato]

"Newts are teh kewl!!!11one11!"
.

[sublime1184]

Kas this thread is almost sooooo last month. geez :rol