My Taricha torosa hates me

[ineedacalifornianewt]

I've been having trouble making a good enough tank for my california newt. I started with shallow water & gravel, a wood log and sphagnum moss. He clicked & tried to escape constantly so I switched to a 20gal tank with more water, (make sure ph at about 7, raising it with dried coral) and more plants. He still clicks and tries to escape. Less frequently, but still. Additionally, he rejects all food. Wiggling blackworms does not do it.
I would love any tips or suggestions

 

[minorhero]

What are your water parameters and temperature?

 

[ineedacalifornianewt]

Ph is between 6.4 and 7.2 the water temperature is 66 fahrenheit. He still tries to escape and clicks frequently

 

[minorhero]

Thst is a pretty big variance in ph. What is causing your phone to swing like that?