Eastern newt questions (cross-post)

[karen]

Cross-posted from another forum........

Hello everyone,
I am currently taking care of 2 eastern newts that started out as "pets" for a fellow science teacher. They are adults and he had them in a mostly terrestrial tank. Since I've "adopted" the newts and brought them home, I've been working on their home; at first I made it mostly land with a small water bowl but I've recently adjusted it to almost all water with a land island. Since I've grown to love the newts and don't plan on bringing them back to school, I'm preparing a permanent home. These are my questions:
1. Their current tank is only 2.5 gallons which is small (but was originally only meant for weekend visits), I'm planning on getting either a 5 or 10 gallon tank. Would a filter be necessary? If so, which is best for such a small tank (let's assume its 10 gallons)? I've read many posts here, but there seems to be such diverse opinions...
2. Would a substrate of larger stones (quarter size) be ok? I used to use gravel when I took care of newts many years ago (25 yrs ago!!) but I hated how filthy it got.
3. Any recommendations for live plants? This is my first try with them.
4. Looking into a floating island (not the turtle ramp)....has anyone had success with these? Or should I try to do a tank division with soil?
5. Feeding question....the 2 newts were severely skinny when we got them, in fact they hardly spent any time in the water or feeding at all. One newt even went about 2 weeks without eating (or eating much) and I was very concerned. Luckily, after settling in their new home with me (joy), they've become hearty eaters. Maybe too hearty....one newts has gotten quite chunky. I was concerned about bloat and did some reading on it....I don't think it is bloat b/c only his (her) lower belly is fat and he's ravenous....he eats like a champ and doesn't appear ill at all. Should I still be worried? Or perhaps get a nursery ready?? I've looked up several amphibian vets and may take him....

Thank you for reading! These 2 newts have reminded me how fun it was to have amphibian pets and I really want them to do well and thrive. Any and all answers you have will be very much appreciated!!

 

[jeff]

OK here goes.
1. Ten gallon at least
2. Stones are fine as substrate
3. Live plants are good, but require uv light. Java moss is good as well
4. Don't get a floating island, use the gravel to make a slope on one side or a mound of it. Also use rocks and such to help break up the tank.
5. Bloat is a condition where the whole newt bloats up. Being fat just is the stomach getting huge. Only feed them something like bloodworms(frozen) 3 times a week and you can use tweezers so you know who is eating what.
Hope this helps.

 

[ian]

hum.. I thought I posted a very long one before, maybe I forgot to hit enter... well.. here is a short one.
1. Ten is okay, but more is better.
2. Stones and gravels are fine. I never know that gravels will be flithy. Maybe you need more water change. Try 50% water change once per week.
3. Elodea and java moss. hygrophia polysperma, villeseria. Pothos. These are all good. there are more, try browse at www.tropica.com. look for plants that require less light and tolerate cold water.
4. I dont think eastern newts need much land. If they are adult they are considered fully aquatice species. Tell me if I am wrong. But if a land area is needed, why not try to pile up some big stone. The big stones pile can provide hiding places in water and also look more natural.
5. It doesn't sound like bloat. Maybe overfeeding or maybe eggs (Since you just newly introduced a newt on land to a water area. But this case is less likely. )

... now I just have to make sure I hit "post"

 

[jeff]

Correction, I ment to say feed them frozen bloodworms or earthworms only 3 times per week, earthworms are really good as a food source.

 

[karen]

Ian- Yes, you did respond to my post on another forum. Being new to this site, I decided to post my question in this forum as well to get extra responses. Thank you for all your help!

 

[joan]

I'll just add a few comments.

If you want an easier time cleaning the tank, try scattered large rocks (bigger-than-newt size), and don't use a substrate. It's a lot easier to see poo when there's nothing around it!

If your newt is getting big in the lower belly, it may very well be a female. Male N. viridescens get thick legs and a wider tail during breeding season, and the females get full of eggs.