Question: Many Many Questions

[MollyAttack]

Hello there! I'm new to the "newt experience" and before getting into anything I'm doing some research and many questions have popped up for me! I was hoping some experienced owners could help me out.

I have been researching Chinese Fire Belly newts for a while and I'm wondering if that is the best choice for a beginner? They will be my first newts ever owned, and I would like to know if there are different opinions on whether they're the "easiest" or not. I'm not looking to breed or anything, I just think they're interesting little critters and would like to have some as "companions."

I have read many threads on here encouraging purchase from a breeder, however I have no idea how to go about finding a breeder... anybody know of any in Illinois? Are there websites or even a list on this forum somewhere that lists some off?

When creating a tank set up, what would you suggest I use as a substrate? I see a lot with sand, but some with gravel. Is one better or easier to clean than the other? I am a college student living in the dorms so I will have to get a bit creative when cleaning their tank considering we have community bathrooms here and I cannot just go and dump things in the sink to wash it all out, so I was thinking of using river rock (bigger rock, not gravel) so I can take them out and wash them easily. Don't worry, in my dorm, anything 100% aquatic is allowed and considering newts are probably what, 98% aquatic, I'm pretty sure I can get away with it! I have already talked to my RA about it, she said it wouldn't be an issue.

Lastly, I was debating about getting one or two newts. The tank is unfortunately on the smaller side, considering there isn't a whole lot of space in a college dorm, but it is a 10 gallon. Would two be comfortable or should I stick with just one? I am worried that it will be too cramped for two.

Thanks for any info you can provide me with!

 

[Sal4]

Caudata Culture Species Entry - Cynops orientalis - Chinese firebelly

This should help out a lot. Careful with sand and small gravel though, If your newts eat it then they can get impacted, Or the sand/gravel collects in their stomach and it is likely they will die. River rocks will do perfectly for your needs.:happy:
(correct me if i'm wrong)

As for the breeder problem, look under the items sought forum on this site, good luck other than that.

I am pretty sure that you can keep two in a 10 gallon, they aren't that big. I you decide to keep two, makesure they each are fed and watch for signs of fighting.

If i gave any wrong information, Just correct me.

That should help you out,
Sal4

(Edited for content)

 

[Azhael]

I would not suggest H.orientalis as a good starter species simply because the animals available at shops are all WC. For such a commonly sold and kept species they are rarely bred in captivity (which is surprising given that getting them to breed is extremely easy). Finding CB ones therefore tends to be a bit difficult, but if you are patient you should eventually succeed. The problem with CB ones is that in all likelihood they´ll be sold as juveniles, and those are not that easy to raise....not ideal for beginners at any rate.

I would recommend P.waltl as the perfect beginner species. They are much easier to find CB, and they are just tough as hell. A 10 gallon is insufficient for them, though. If you are into small species, then Hypselotriton cyanurus may be your best option. Basically the same as H.orientalis, but you can find them CB and the juveniles are substantially easier to raise and shouldn´t be a problem. You could keep two in a 10gallon.

Avoid gravel, it´s a terrible substrate. Either go with fine sand or with no substrate (having no substrate is not the most aesthetic of choices but it sure is the most practical).

 

[vistajpdf]

I had gravel until I found this site, then just went for the bare bottom. As Azhael mentioned, it's not the most esthetic, but I am currently cleaning out SEVERAL tanks full as my pair reproduced 2 years ago....not my plan! They are C. orientalis (Chinese FBN.) One tank has a low flow filter, others do not.

I would be willing to ship some of the juveniles to a good home if interested. I'm not good at sexing them, but I could read up and try. Probably, had I not salvaged the eggs, selection would have left me with only a few survivors, be we have dozens at varying stagesm as my sons couldn't stand the thought of the eggs or larvae being eaten by mom and dad...Some are now aquatic again and doing very well.

The only problem w/ river rock is that food can slip down. I feed mine live blackworms, white worms, and frozen and thawed bloodworms + earthworms, but not as frequently as I should - hate to chop them....

Anyway, I should post mine on the site - check it out as there may be someone closer. If not, pm me and I'll look into shipping for you, but overnight would be best. I've only shipped eggs thus far.

Good luck,
Dana