Question: Which Newt Species

[Repguy27]

Which newt species would be better for a 10 gallon tank; Cynops Pyrrhogaster or Pleurodeles Waltl? It has plants and wood shaped like a stump in it. I would like it to be active and friendly. I heard if newt have a big tank they might just hide and be fairly inactive; however, I have also heard the more space, the better off the newt is and the happier it will be.

 

[Nathan]

P. waltl get way too big for a ten gallon.

 

[jplee3]

P. waltl get way too big for a ten gallon.

I agree. I have 3 P. Waltls that were occupying a single 10gal tank. Definitely not enough room for them. Although, I think if you fill the tank up high enough they might be OK. Regardless, I moved them into a much roomier 20gal, which I think should be okay for them from now on. I don't think they'll get much bigger than they are either way. I'd recommend a 20g for starters. Esp if you have more than one.

 

[Repguy27]

I'm only getting one but the care sheet says Spanish Ribbed Newts get between 6-8 inches in captivity. Wouldn't that be a good size for the tank?

 

[Nathan]

I would prefer more space for an aquatic salamander of that size. Besides which, your newt may end up getting considerably larger than that. Better to plan for your animal being towards the upper end of the species' size range.

 

[Jennewt]

I think that a single P. waltl in a 10-gallon tank, with a setup that is efficient (no gravel slope or other bulky land area that wastes space) would be OK. This species is sufficiently "friendly" that it would still be fairly visible and interactive even in a large tank, so getting a larger tank would also work well. Keep in mind that larger tanks are easier to maintain, particularly for a species like this which produces a fair amount of waste products. With a 10-gal, you'll need to be fairly vigilant about cleaning. Avoid using gravel. Are you planning to have a filter?

 

[Repguy27]

It seems that Cynops Pyrrhogaster would be a better species then, if not for the size then for maintaining the tank. I have a Duetto 50 filter in the tank and a thin layer of gravel on the bottom. I will get the Cynops then. Thank you for your help.

 

[jplee3]

P Waltls do make a good mess with the waste. I have a ZooMed 501 going with a 1" sandy bottom. No gravel. The Waltls are fine with it. They're such fun to watch - real characters.
Good luck with the Cynops. That should be a fun one to put in. He'll like the new home.

 

[eldaldo]

Yeah, I had a cynops Pyrrhogaster in a 10 gallon tank that was very active "friendly." I would definitely recommend them as a first species.