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Question: Cynops orientalis- Gravel
- Thread starter rebel
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Azhael
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Gravel is not a good choice of substrate. If it´s small enough to fit in the newt´s mouth it may be ccidentally ingested causing all sort of problems. Gravel also traps large amounts of debris and makes feeding the newts more difficult.
Fine sand is a far better alternative as it poses no risk if ingested and doesn´t trap debris or food. However you should never have a layer thicker than an inch as to prevent the formation of anaerobic areas.
There´s also the lternative of having no substrate at all. This is arguably not the most aesthetic option, but it´s by far the most practical. It makes feeding and cleaning very easy indeed.
Fine sand is a far better alternative as it poses no risk if ingested and doesn´t trap debris or food. However you should never have a layer thicker than an inch as to prevent the formation of anaerobic areas.
There´s also the lternative of having no substrate at all. This is arguably not the most aesthetic option, but it´s by far the most practical. It makes feeding and cleaning very easy indeed.
AngieD
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Our fire bellies both have gravel in their tanks, and we haven't had any trouble with it getting eaten, which I think is due to the way they eat - forward 'jerking' motions, rather than 'hoovering'.
The water gets quite mucky due to the food, but Azhael is right in saying that the gravel traps a lot of dirt, we have to wash the gravel once a fortnight to stop the water getting too bad.
My paddle-tails have a bare-bottom tank, and it is easier to clean. I haven't tried sand yet
The water gets quite mucky due to the food, but Azhael is right in saying that the gravel traps a lot of dirt, we have to wash the gravel once a fortnight to stop the water getting too bad.
My paddle-tails have a bare-bottom tank, and it is easier to clean. I haven't tried sand yet