Help with juvenile Lake Urmia Newts (neurergus crocatus)

Hi all,

Just today I received two cute juvenile Lake Urmia newts which arrived in a small damp plastic container with some java moss. Upon introduction into the habitat (10 gallon aquarium currently sitting at around 66 F, picture attached) they consistently attempt to climb the glass and escape the enclosure. Whenever they go from the floating cork bark to the water they begin swimming pretty frantically towards the back wall.

The breeder I purchased them from said he keeps them in a fully aquatic setup which is what I have. I’ve thoroughly cleaned all the gravel and water so I’m pretty sure it’s not a chlorine issue. For now I’ve moved them to a small bowl with flat rocks and just an inch of water, so it’s mostly terrestrial. They seem to be a little less stressed here but are still attempting to escape. Are my little guys just acclimating to the new environment? Is there something I can do to ease their stress?



Thanks in advance,
Philip

They have dry out of water for days. They will resist the water. Provide them with floating plants and cork floats. The temperature sound good. I suspect they will settle down in a few days. I have a group of 5. Keep the tank secured covered or they will escape. I have lose some that way.