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 ph to swing like that?

 

[JM29]

Hi,
California newts (Taricha torosa) are fully terrestrial as juveniles and partly aquatic as adults. They need an aquaterrarium.
They only go into the water to breed.
Perhaps your newt isn't ready to breed ?

Caudata Culture Species Entry - Taricha torosa

AmphibiaWeb - Taricha torosa

 

[ineedacalifornianewt]

Yes, but it is breeding season & my newt has a long aquatic-like tail which would SUGGEST he wants to be in water.
Also, any tips on getting him to eat?

 

[ineedacalifornianewt]

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

I use coral to maintain ph- this is just a range of ph I'm getting from a ph strip

 

[minorhero]

I use coral to maintain ph- this is just a range of ph I'm getting from a ph strip

Ah, well definitely get liquid test kits. The strips are pretty worthless for all of the parameters. If your tank is not cycled for example you would have these issues. And the strips won't tell you if your tank is actually cycled.