First experience with newts

[NickA]

Hi guys, I bought 2 fire-belly newts a few days ago and I just had a few questions.
Here is the picture of my tank, they're currently living with a water frog:

The pet shop recommended I feed them the frog pellets but they wouldn't eat it. So I went in my backyard and found some worms which 1 completely devoured, but the other newt seemed to just watch and won't eat. How can I get him to eat?

Also I ordered a small filter, more specifically the Ovation 210 Submersible Power Jet Filter - 53 gph.

There water seems to get dirty extremely fast, almost within a day is there anyway to help this? I'm guessing the filter will..

Alright thanks guys!

 

[NickA]

The picture didn't show up and I can't edit my post sooo:

 

[tmarmoratus]

That looks like an awfully small tank for two FBN's and a frog. Also, it would be best to separate the frog from the newts. FBN's give off toxins, as do all newts, and your frog may get ill and die. It could happen in a year, or it could happen within a week. Conversely, the frog may cause undue stress to the newts, leading to problems such as loss of appetite and weakened immune system.

CFB's do best in still water- the filter you purchased is only going to stress them further. A sponge or corner filter would be more ideal. I wouldn't use a filter myself - live plants and a weekly 10-20% water change would be the way I'd go.

Earthworms are a great staple food for FBN's - backyards can be a great source, so long as it's pesticide free. The newt that won't eat may not be eating because it's stressed.

Here's a caresheet for Chinese Fire Bellies. If you follow the housing guidelines, you might just give these guys a nice, long life:

Caudata Culture Species Entry - Cynops orientalis - Chinese firebelly

 

[Insane1818]

I agree, that is a very small tank for 2 FBN and I agree with the frog removal. I would also add more plants and places for them to hide and be less stressed.

My adult newts eat sinkable pellets, blood worms (frozen), black worms (live) and brine shrimp (live). When I 1st got them they were very picky and I had to try several different options to get them to eat. Good luck!