Current for chinensis

[jewett]

I just got a chinensis from someone in my local classifieds who no longer wanted it. Very thin but it has been putting on weight and settling in well. But I am a little unprepared for it because it was advertised as an European newt so my set up for it prior to pick up did not include anything but lots of plants for hiding places and an island. Now that I know what it is I want to provide it with a suitable habitat- am I right that chinensis like a current? If so how strong a flow? I want to go with a tetra internal waterfall filter- if I do should I disrupt the current or leave it at full strenght? Play it by ear and see how the chinensis responds?
Thanks in advance and I really appreciate everyones input.
Heather

 

[Azhael]

Safest way is to start with a mild current and see what happens. Too strong can be stressful, but for the most part, Paramesotriton seem to enjoy a decent current.
Either way, the ideal is to have an area with strong current and sheltered areas where current is very gentle. That mimics the rocky stream pools they typically live in.

 

[ahritchie]

I've have some juvenile chinesis, (they are very slow growers) they seem to like a gentle current provide by a simple air stone powered sponge filter. My adult tank however, has a submerged Duetto power filter with a quite strong current, the bigger adults seem to get around much better and enjoy the current mostly sticking to the bottom of the tank. The little guys have a harder time with a stronger the current basically, something to keep in mind.

 

[jewett]

Thank you for the responses. I'll get the filter and observe the newts behavior in varying current strengths.
Heather