Leaves as a substrate?

[Nativenewt]

So I have 2 Eastern Newts in a 10 gallon tank, I was wondering about a substrate for them. Currently I have sand but I am worried about compaction so I just wanted to know if leaves would be an okay substrate. I also plan to get plants in the near future so would leaves help with that as well?

 

[Bellabelloo]

I would replicate their natural environment as much as possible for your newts
Rather than sand, I tend to use soil and dried leaves mixed together. I like layers of bark/ slate/ broken terracotta pots so they can hide.

 

[Lertsch]

Are they being kept terrestrial or aquatic?

 

[Nativenewt]

Would the soil float? I've been thinking about it but assumed you would have to use a special type of soil for aquatics to make sure it doesn't cloud the water.

 

[Nativenewt]

Is there any specific kinds of leaves I should use or avoid? Also, I forgot to mention that these are aquatic adults and not efts

 

[seandelevan]

I’ve done this before. As long as there aren’t too many. They deteriorate fast in water and can make a big mess, which in an enclosed system can mess with water parameters and clog filters etc. a few here and there wont hurt though. As far as type....Oak and maple are good....as long as they are brown and dead. BUT...be careful that they not contain pesticides or such. Some people go ahead and boil dead leaves before putting them in their tanks.

 

[Nativenewt]

OK thanks for the information, looks like it's about time now to make a trip to my local forest!