New to Newts

[ExoticAquatics]

I am curious about different types of newts. Is there such a thing as completely aquatic newts/salamanders? What types of fish are okay with newts or are they best on their own. And can they be housed with African dwarf frogs? What size tanks are best and what temps are best?

And I live in Oregon I've never really poked around but I've never seen them in pet stores so wondering if any are even legal here?

Sorry I know a lot of questions. I am reading up a lot right now on these forums so I'm not being lazy. There is just so much information so thought I'd start here with the basic questions

 

[jewett]

Welcome to the site. I encourage you to continue looking around and reading as much as possible.

There are many species of newt that can be kept entirely aquatic - they are in fact my favorite to keep. I keep many Cynops species, some Mesotriton alpestris, and a Pachytriton labiatus and all of them stay entirely or almost entirely aquatic. I do provide haul out areas for all my animals, but those are rarely used.
It is best to keep newts on their own - fish can be too active, or even aggressive, causing newts stress. I have read some people have kept white cloud minnows in with newts with no problems, but I have never done this myself. And most newts need water temperatures too cold for fish and frogs. I keep my water temps as cold as I can - I have a storage room that I keep two tanks in, and the water gets between 50-55F. In my other room I keep newts in the water is slightly warmer at 64F. I use tanks anywhere in size from 10 gallon up to a 40 gallon. With tanks, the bigger the better as it makes it so much easier to maintain water quality and a stable temperature.

many species are legal to keep, but be sure to check your local laws before obtaining anything you are unsure of. I would also recommend to not purchase newts from pet stores - you can find healthier animals for sale through members of this forum.

Keep researching and asking questions, and again welcome to the forum.

Heather

 

[ExoticAquatics]

Thanks. I'm excited to learn as much as possible. I was a total noob when I first got my fish, then realized too late I knew next to nothing. Luckily I was determined and was doing up to two water changes a day sometimes to make sure my fish lived. It took a good 6 months or so before my tanks finally were cycled and stable :dizzy: So never ever ever again getting a pet without researching

And is there a section on here for breeders? I'll poke around but just in case I can't find it thought I'd ask!!