If I put a newt in this tank...

[^imp^]

Hello all,

I recently put together a 20-gallon paludarium for a single warty newt (my first newt). About 1/4 of the tank is land and the water section is about 6-8 inches deep. Part of the tank has a pretty decent current and a waterfall is included to increase oxygen content. I estimate that there are about 10-12 gallons of water in the tank.

Currently, the tank houses a hillstream loach (aka butterfly loach, dojo loach, borneo sucker), 4 white cloud minnows, 2 yamato shrimp, and 3 red cherry shrimp.

If I add a warty newt (probably paramesotriton chinensis) to this set up, what can I expect to happen? Will the newt eat all other living things in the tank? Will the newt be stressed out by the other inhabitants?

Any insights would be helpful. If I get a newt, I want the addition to go as smoothly as possible.

^iMp^

 

[elisabeth]

I don't think your newt will get stressed out. However, depending on how mobile he is, and how often you feed him, he may go into hunting mode and try to stalk and eat the tasty shrimp.
I caught my female newt eyeing one of the ghost shrimp she lives with just this morning. Those shrimps are too fast for her though.
Also, I'm not too sure about the other things in your tank. They may be able to harm the newt. I'm not sure though, so don't take my word for it.
The overall tank setup sounds wonderful though. And just so you know, one newt can be housed very comfortably in a 10 gallon tank.

 

[samuel]

Hi, i dun feel safe housing newts with other animals. But i think it should be ok since yer tank is quite big and the critters should enough personal space. But watch the ammonia levels though, stock it up with plenty of plants.

Sam

 

[elisabeth]

Yeah, do what Sam said.
Also, my shrimp have gone missing. They're small and clear, so I may just have missed them. However, they may have been eaten. Just keep that in mind.