orientation in a Pachytriton labiatus new tank

[metalsapo]

hola
I have a new Pachytriton labiatus, so i have it in my old tank, but i think is not apropiate for the newt, first of all, i have natural plants, and the newt just rips them all away from the ground, he makes a disaster, so, i want to make a beautifull home for him/her. The newt killed the betta by the way, so its a little fat.
The hides: What are the best hides for the newt to feel like home?
stone caves, logs, or the combination?
The plants: Its nomal for them to have plants? the plants and he food are getting in paralel importance, because the cubes of worms float, and the plants give them support to eat, so what kind of plants?
the filter: strong currents is true or false?
waterfall?
Gravel: the color of the gravel influences the newt´s behaviour? the size, o its better a variety of it?

i hope to be clear
thanks for the site, its helpfull
the species introduction is great, but this questions answers are not there.
EO

 

[Azhael]

First off, why would you keep the newt with a betta?? That´s a dreadful idea as you have experienced.
If you were keeping it with a betta, what´s the temperature of the water? The newt needs a radically different range of temps than the fish.
They are native from fast moving streams so a strong current is necesary.
Plants are useful for water quality and to serve as hiding places, so i´d recommend using them.
It doesn´t really matter what you use to provide hiding places, they are not very picky.

Gravel colour is not going to make any difference. Sand is way better than gravel though.