Question: What type of filter can you recommend??

[TashaLou]

Hi guys

I got a chinese fire belly newt 2 days ago (it was all a bit rushed, my friend bought him and then realised she didn't like him so I had to collect him pretty quickly.....)
He is tiny at the moment, and in a 28 litre tank by himself, with about 5/6inches of water, some rocks and some plastic plants, fern etc.
I was wondering what type of filter I should use? I've done some research about different filters, but I'm still really stuck so would rather some opinions? Also, I live in the UK so it needs to be available there, and I am a student so not *too* pricey . Until I am able to buy a suitable one, I am planning to remove uneaten food and change 2/3 or 1/2 of the water every other day or so. Does this sound okay??

Thanks

 

[Azhael]

I´d recommend not using one at all. In the correct circumstances, a filter is completely unnecessary. If you provide enough volume of water, and enough live plants, the combination of the plants and the bacteria which grows on them and every other surface will have the exact same effect as having a filter, but without a current or heat emission.

This species dislikes strong currents and prefers still water. They also greatly apreciate heavily planted tanks, so it´s a win-win.

I´d recommend upgrading the newt to at least a 40l tank. The current one you have will offer poor stability and a very limited capacity to buffer the build up of nitrogen compounds. It will make it difficult for you to provide good conditions for the little newt. A bigger volume of water will simplify things a great deal, i assure you. The difference between 28 and 40l may seem unsignificant, but in reality it does make a big difference.

You should also check the links in my signature. You´ll find information about everything you need to care for your new pet. Good luck!

PS: A 20% partial water change, daily or every couple of days, will be fine for now. You want to avoid bigger water changes than that because they´ll jeopardize the bacterial colonization of the tank and its stability.

 

[TashaLou]

Thanks for your help, much appreciated! You said enough volume of water, how much is correct?? Also, I thought that one small newt was okay in a 5 gallon tank, is that not right?
Also, (last questions for now, I promise ) what real plants should I use or doesn't it matter? Thanks again.

 

[Azhael]

The minimum that is generally recommended is a 10gallon (40l aprox.) tank. It´s more about water chemistry stability than it is about space, although newts do require sufficient space, they are not as inactive as they may seem (specially aquatic ones).

I like to recommend Elodea, java fern and java moss because they are hardy plants that require little light and tolerate cold water. It´s what i use and it works very well for me. There are other options, of course, you can find many more suitable plants if you do a little search around the forum. Try this section:
Vivaria, Enclosures & Product Reviews - Plants for Enclosures and Vivariums at Caudata.org Newt and Salamander Portal