New to Caudata.org, and I'd like some tips/advice on newts for a first time owner ;)

Helllllllo all,

My name is Britani and I just got home for the summer from private school. 2 years ago, I wanted firebelly newts desperately and I had a tank and other supplies, but I couldn't get them because of private school. This summer, I want to get some newts.

This is where you guys come in. 2 years ago I had planned to get fire-belly newts, but exploring newts more I've found there are some other aquatic ones that are appealing to me.

First off, whats the minimum dimensions for a tank? I'd like something small like a chinese FB newt, so I don't need anything huge.

Next, can someone explain the cycling process to me and your method of doing it?

Lastly, any other tips/advice/experiences you'd like to share with me and pictures if you have them! You can post a picture of your newt, doesn't have to be a CFB

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum Britani

Britani, you should look into some of the small European newts, the Triturus complex. They're small, colorful, and easily found as captive-bred specimens! A lot of Chinese FB newts are imported in terrible conditions.

You can keep a trio of any of the Triturus species in a 10 gallon tank, but the bigger your tank, the better you'll be. My personal favorite size tank is a 20gallon-long. It's a wonderfully versatile size tank. You WILL need a lid no matter what species you get, as salamanders can scale the sides of your tank.

Here's a link to all of our 'beginner' articles, and they should get you on the right path!

Kaysie,

I read some of those articles and I didn't really understand the conditioning of the water along with cycling it. I'll look into that species you were talking about, but I have never seen them in stores. I don't know if I'll be able to find them...

Most of the folks here get their animals directly from the breeders. These animals are 1.) vastly healthier than the majority of pet shop animals, and 2.) usually cheaper than the pet shops.

Conditioning the water means to remove any chlorine or chloramine that may be present in your water, especially if you're on a municipal water supply. This isn't as important if you're using well-water. Cycling the tank is the process of growing colonies of bacteria in your tank that will convert dangeriously toxic ammonia and nitrite wastes into much less toxic nitrate. It's really much easier than it sounds, I promise!

I don't think there are any breeders around here. There's this place called zoo creatures that breeds thousands and thousands of snakes, and I know they sell CFB's. They sell things that are more unique than the average pet store, like chameleons and baby iguanas and stuff.

I'll try to see if I can find a breeder in the Mass area, but it doesn't seem plausible.

Thanks for the info on conditioning and cycling, too

You can order from breeders and have them shipped too. A lot of people get so nerve-wracked about shipping animals, but I, and hundreds of other people, do it every year. I've shipped hundreds of salamanders, and never had any problems.

In fact, AJ is selling a very pretty Cynops ensicauda popei right now!