Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

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Koolnslippery7

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Hi,

I'm new to newts and salamanders, and I need some advice.

I want to keep newts, so I'm trying to choose a terrarium that works. Does anyone know of a tank that can be used for newts? I'm not a diy guy, so I'm looking at the Zilla Turtle tank.

I need to find a screen size that fits the turtle tank though.

What's a good, beginner newt to keep? It's somewhat hot around here (75 F to 80 F), so I prefer a more tolerant species.

Thanks!
 

evut

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More tolerant species include Tylototriton verrucosus, Cynops ensicauda and Hypselotriton (Cynops) cyanurus. They might still find it too warm, so if you haven't got a room in your house which is a bit cooler, you might have to cool the aquarium.
You can find caresheets for these species here, as well as articles about all aspects of newt keeping. I recommend you read everything you can, it will answer many questions.
Regarding aquarium, any fish tank of suitable size with an escape-proof lid is fine. Aquatic newts don't need an elaborate land area, just a piece of floating cork bark is fine. The species mentioned all like still water so a filter can be detrimental. A sponge filter is usually ok. If you plant her tank well, the plants will help you with water quality and reduce the amount of upkeep necessary.

I would advise you to read everything you can to decide if a newt is a suitable pet for you - aquarium cooling is generally difficult and expensive, and if there is a heatwave when you're away, it can easily kill newts.
 
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  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
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  • Thorninmyside:
    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
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  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
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  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
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    Clareclare: Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus... +1
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