Question: California Newts issues

[ineedacalifornianewt]

Hi,
I situated my california newt with sphagnum moss.. I'm concerned if this is the right moss for my newt. Additionally, what plants are recommended for california newts? Any particular food they prefer? I am trying to feed him blackworms, but he just won't accept them.
Also anything I can do to lower stress? Is it recommended to cover the aquarium? He keeps trying to escape & I am unsure of what to do to keep him happy. I have a 20 gallon tank so he cannot escape but still

 

[minorhero]

They can climb glass. Not well, but well enough to get out eventually. You need a cover that goes all the way around the tank. The cover can be open in the middle as they can't go upside down. Most people use mesh covers because they are cheap and fit standard tanks off the shelf. But you can use anything. At least one person even used packing tape to make a cover with the sticky side covered by more tape.

Regarding parameters, you need to keep them cool. How sure are you of the variety of newt? Because if you have the wrong kind, it drastically changes care. Here is a care sheet and some information on setup and identifying what kind of newt you have.

Caudata Culture Species Entry - Taricha torosa