fire belly newt, humidity

[jazz298]

What should the humidity in a fire belly newt environment be kept at.
Also how do you keep a tank cool in muggy summer temps. some say ice, some say ice is no good, does anyone have any other methods.
Thanks!

 

[Mark]

The humidity really depends on the type of set-up you have, temperature and ventilation. In a lidded enclosure with a water body or damp substrate the humidity will be higher than the ambient room level. Humidity changes on a daily basis – just like the weather. The best thing is to provide good ventilation with gradients between damp and dry and let the newt decide where it feels most comfortable. The newt will be able to tolerate a range of humidity levels and as long as moist areas are provide it should be fine.

For tank cooling ideas see here: http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cooling.shtml

 

[Jennewt]

Is the newt's setup aquatic or terrestrial? Different methods apply to each.

 

[jazz298]

it is both, that is why i am asking

 

[Jennewt]

If the newt stays in the water, then a fan and better ventilation (like a screen lid instead of hood) would be the easiest way to reduce the temp. If the newt is terrestrial, the screen lid is still OK, but the fan may dry out the animal too much. I don't think that the air humidity is very critical. I use both screen lids and solid glass lids with firebellies.