New to Newts. Please comment on my setup

GrumpaDirt · Jan 26, 2015

Hello everyone. I am new to the newt world, but I have been doing my reading. I am currently waiting for a delivery of 3-4 Fire Belly Newts. I started with a 10 gallon aquarium, and quickly decided to grab a 20 gallon long. I started with reptile carpet as a base, which was recommended by a fellow whos videos I have been watching on youtube. I placed a few rocks on the bottom, placed a couple pieces of driftwood, one I even wrapped with java moss, I have a few fake plants, and 6 or 7 real ones, and I threw a small turtle dock in the back left corner. Attached below are photos of the set up. Hoping to get some constructive criticism from the experienced community. Thanks guys!

Coastal Groovin · Jan 27, 2015

A few tips. 1. Get a screen on that tank. Fire belly newts will climb right out of there. 2. Get rid of the carpet so your newts don't get trapped under it and die. Add a half inch of clean sand or keep it bare bottom 3. Make sure your light bulb is 6500k for your plants. It should be on the back of the package.

Asevernnnn · Jan 27, 2015

You could also raise the water level quite a bit, to nearly the top.

Chinadog · Jan 27, 2015

I agree, some kind of escape proof cover is essential! Also, remove the carpet, it has no benefits and will make cleaning a nightmare. These types of aquatic newts spend most of their time hanging in the plants, so really don't mind a bare glass bottom, but a shallow layer of play sand would look nicer if the tank is on display in your home. it's not the worst first attempt I've seen by a long way, I would add more live plants and more water like Aaron says. Otherwise just be sure to keep a close eye on water quality until the tank cycles.

GrumpaDirt · Jan 27, 2015

Hey guys, thanks for not ripping on me for posting to the wrong sub! I realized what I did after I hit post. Also thank you for the advice. I will be taking it very seriously and after work I will head out and grab some more supplies such as a screen lid ( I have a plexi cover right now), more plants, and if my light isnt good enough a new light. I will also get rid of the carpet and raise the water up. Until I landed no this forum, I couldnt find much else for info on keeping these cute little guys. I think I will stick to a bare bottom for now. Thanks again everyone!

jAfFa CaKe · Jan 27, 2015

May I also add, you mentioned something about videos. Do you mean IHTW Reptiles... Hopefully not. He is wrong! Please don't listen to ANYTHING he says! Please follow a reliable care sheet!

Coastal Groovin · Jan 27, 2015

Is that a full spectrum LED plant light or just a white light LED aquarium light. They are useless for growing plants. These are full spectrum and as inexpensive as they get. LED Aquarium Light 24 30 36 40 42 48 52 60 inch Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank | eBay

GrumpaDirt · Jan 27, 2015

jAfFa CaKe said:
May I also add, you mentioned something about videos. Do you mean IHTW Reptiles... Hopefully not. He is wrong! Please don't listen to ANYTHING he says! Please follow a reliable care sheet!

That was exactly who I meant. He has pretty much the only informational videos I have seen. Thank you for the heads up, I will ignore what I learned there then.

GrumpaDirt · Jan 27, 2015

Coastal Groovin said:
Is that a full spectrum LED plant light or just a white light LED aquarium light. They are useless for growing plants. These are full spectrum and as inexpensive as they get. LED Aquarium Light 24 30 36 40 42 48 52 60 inch Freshwater Saltwater Fish Tank | eBay

I believe its just a basic Marineland LED set, nothing special about it. That light you are linking me to doesnt ship to Canada, I will look for a dealer that will. In the meantime I ended up getting 2 10 watt LED Flood lights that are advertised as 6500K. Someone else is using them in a reef tank and he says his coral is growing nicely so hopefully these will work. If not I will use them outside, I need more flood lights out there, I live in a dark forest.

10W 20W 30W 50W 100W DAY Cool White LED Wall Pack Wash Flood Light Lamp Garden | eBay

GrumpaDirt · Jan 29, 2015

Last update here, then I will be moving to the Help section until I understand these guys enough to come back here and be more involved with you guys. Again, thank you very much for the tips and advice. New lights will be here soon, and if I have to I will add a full spectrum bulb to the mix. New plants tomorrow as well. Carpet is gone, water level is raised, and I increased the intake on my filter a bit. FBNs will be here in another day or two.

Cheers!

GrumpaDirt · Feb 3, 2015

I just wanted to update with the new lights. I set them up on a piece of wood and hung them from the ceiling. They are 10 watt 6500K LED flood lights. I think they look like they are plenty bright enough. Huge improvement.

gclama · Mar 2, 2015

You have a very nice set up with a nice variety of plants and plenty of hiding places. The only suggestion I can make is maybe one of those decorative rock caves for them hide in. The one in my tank is a crashed airplane on a reef. It lets them completely get out of the light if they please. You can see the tail section of mine in my picture.

crawdaddy · Mar 5, 2015

Just based off experience, I seem to notice that CFBN prefer no filter, due to living in still ponds in nature. I know that some people have been able to use filters with no problem, but my newts are happy with a 30% water change weekly with live plants.

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