Water depth

Lilibugz · Dec 20, 2024

Currently deciding between a 30 and 40 gallon breeder for my ribbed newts.
They’re both 36x18, only real difference is height
The forums care page says 6-8 inches, deeper when breeding. But would 12 or so inches actually be a problem? Or just extra space for them?

JM29 · Dec 21, 2024

The usual rule is : water depth more or less equal to the length of the newt, but seasonal variations are admitted.
When I observe the behavior of my ribbed newts, I see them spending all night gripped to aquatic plants, the snout out of the water.
In other situations, without plants, the newts have to swim to the surface to breathe from time to time.
So I think deep water is not a problem if there are a lot of aquatic plants

Lilibugz · Dec 21, 2024

JM29 said:
The usual rule is : water depth more or less equal to the length of the newt, but seasonal variations are admitted.
When I observe the behavior of my ribbed newts, I see them spending all night gripped to aquatic plants, the snout out of the water.
In other situations, without plants, the newts have to swim to the surface to breathe from time to time.
So I think deep water is not a problem if there are a lot of aquatic plants

I have some driftwood I plan to put in there that’ll add some levels as well as some live plants! I’m not sure the exact size of my newts but they’re adult ribbed newts so pretty large compared to other species. I wouldn’t raise the water level past a foot just to be safe.

JM29 · Dec 21, 2024

Ribbed newts fare well in very planted environments.
I these conditions, water depth is never a problem.

They usually become adult at about 15 cm (6 inches)

Anonymous Salamander · Jan 1, 2025

My ribbed newt lives in a 24in deep tank and has plenty of plants to hang on. She has lived happily and healthy for years so I doubt yours will be in any danger.

Water depth

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