Firebelly newt not going in water at all

[Markb]

Well my sister has a small firebelly newt and it nevers goes into the water just sits on the rock.

They have tried putting him in it but he just swims back to the rock.

 

[crazyfishlady]

What are the parameters and temperature of the tank water?

 

[Markb]

Erm i have no idea what size the tank is but its not a massive as he is only small, and temp is about 24/25

 

[crazyfishlady]

Here's the caresheet on the firebelly they recommend the temperature stays under 23C. http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Cynops/C_orientalis.shtml What are the readings of your tank water? Ammonia level, Nitrite, and Nitrate level? How often are you guys doing water changes? Do you use a dechlorinator when you change the water?

 

[Markb]

Not sure what the reading are ill get her to do a test when i speak to her next and when changing water i think they use RO water.

Could you tell me what the best readings are for the newt it would help.

 

[crazyfishlady]

Reverse Osmosis water should only be used in saltwater setups it strips everything out of the water, lowers the pH, and makes the water soft. I have a reverse osmosis system and have tested the water vs. my tap and have also read further into this on the housing section of this website.
http://www.livingunderworld.org/caudata/database/salamandridae/cynops/ It states, "Never use distilled, or reverse osmosis water alone with amphibians, as these can disrupt the chemical composition of amphibian cells."

Just use the regular tap water w/ a dechloriator. I would only replace maybe 75% of the water otherwise, they tank may start to cycle again. How long has the tank been set up for?

That website will also help with all the readings you need.