Poop removal

I avoid sucking up the newts by holding my hand at the end of the tube. If one gets close I hold my finger on the end so no water is sucked. Moving a bith with a finger or two usually makes the newts go away. Just stay calm.

And use long tubes so you don't swallow the water ;)
 
Jesper, I didn't suck up the newt into my mouth if that's what you're getting at.
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Joeri, I had my hand infront of the opening, but my finger slipped off and up the little guy went. Oh, and the tube was long. The water didn't seem to be moving so I sucked harder, and well, you know the rest.
 
HI guys!
Joeri that's how i do water changes too. but the suction power is too small for the newt to get sucked in. Beside's very time they see the tube, they scram to hide (guess it's just the nature of orientalis). Nowadays they have a small pump at one end of the tube so using the mouth to provide suction isn't neccessary (that's just darn gross).
Elizabeth, i had a snail that was a poop machine too, i removed it. I prefer using the tube to the jar cuz the former allows me to remove any poop, uneaten food or loose algae.
Jesper, the denitrifying bacteria is a good idea but very hard to utilize. Care to shed some more light on it?
 
I have a question about water change and nitrates. What is an acceptable level of nitrates for newts? In the fish community the maximum acceptable level for fishes varies between 50ppm - 100ppm across subcommunities although this varies from species to species. I've yet to come across an article about newts tolerance towards nitrates. But I still do water changes when the nitrates are >50ppm.
 
Well, Sam, I will admit that the hose I used was kinda big, so the suction power took Howard on a magical, once in a lifetime ride.
And yes, you're right, the sucking method is gross, but it was the only thing I had at the time.
Also, I'm convinced my newts are kinda stupid. No matter what I stick in the tank, they're currious and have to check it out. Even if it meens getting sucked up.
 
Sam and Joel:
I have been trying for some time to find info on nitrate levels and newts. Same thing goes for using denitrifying bacteria in freshwater aq.
I really cant see why it shouldnt work with having an anaerobic "place" possibly created by two layers of substrate. However it is essential not to make the layers too deep since one risks to create a totally anaerobic environment which will produce H2S, is a toxic gas. I am still researching, not much time right now though since I am currently doing my masters thesis and having a course in neuropharmacology at the same time *stressed*
 
Yeah, prioritise wisely Jesper. Hey, why won't the oxygen in the water diffuse into the water areas within the substrate to create a totally aerobic env?
 
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