New tank idea help

[planetwaves]

Okay well I would like to re created the natural habitat of the chinese fire belly newt. Some plants that are found in china. And also if you guys have any pictures. I want them to feel at home. I know it would never be like it but still.

 

[Chinadog]

Despite H. orientalis' popularity in the pet trade, very little is known about their ecology in the wild, at least not in English language. What we do know, is that they thrive under the same conditions as C. pyrrhogaster, i.e a cold aquarium with at least ten gallons (pfeferably more) of clean water. As its unknown what plants grow in their natural environment, the tank should be heavily planted cool water tolerant species like Java ferns, Elodea, Hydracotile or Hornwort etc, Its possible to use some fake plastic plants, but Chinese firebellies are dependent on live plants for egg laying, so there should be at least some live ones.
Anything more than a small cork float or island is a waste of valuable space that could otherwise be full of water, Healthy Chinese firebellies will rarely, if ever leave the water once they are settled in captivity so water volume is much more important than dry land.

I've posted a pic of my C. pyrrhogaster tank, but the most important thing is that the plants are in there rather than how they are arranged. The newts will be quite happy hanging out in then even if they are just left to float at the surface

 

[planetwaves]

Thanks alot that was very informative. And by the way your tank is awesome.i got one more question i just got about 5 baby crickets i left them to run around will the newts eat them?

 

[Chinadog]

As long as they're small enough to swallow they might eat them. However, crickets shouldn't be left with amphibians for extended periods because they can and do bite causing more stress and even possible infection.

 

[planetwaves]

Lets say i cut the pincers of the crickets would that be any better?