Fennex
New member
Hi there.
I am very interested in starting up a tank for newts. Specifically I like the Chinese Fire Belly Newts, however I don't know how possible it is to obtain these in my location (especially as I would really not like to have WC newts). As everyone here seems very knowledgeable, I thought I would make a post just outlining ideas and questions that I have, along with what I would like to achieve.
I would ideally like two newts in a semi-aquatic tank. My questions are:
What is the ideal tank size for 2 CFBs? (Answer in UK Litres would be preferred)
What substrate is best? (I have read that gravel should be used as it can cause impactions)
Best temperature? (It seems they prefer cooler water but how cold? And how to maintain this temp? Answer in degrees C would be preferred)
What else can you have in the tank? (I have read a lot of conflicting information on putting fish with newts. I would very much like some Borneo Suckers -a.k.a Hong Kong Plec/Butterfly Plec- for the tank. Some places say the toxins can hurt the fish?)
Are there any planted options that are good? Any plants that the newts cannot eat?
Is a more powerful filtration system better? Or do they only need low filter action to keep the tank clean? If I had the suckers, I would ideally like a more powerful filter as they prefer faster flowing waters.
Is a light needed on the tank? If so, would a day light or a cooler night light be better?
Sorry about the questions but I would like to be as informed as possible before I go out and do anything.
Thank you!
I am very interested in starting up a tank for newts. Specifically I like the Chinese Fire Belly Newts, however I don't know how possible it is to obtain these in my location (especially as I would really not like to have WC newts). As everyone here seems very knowledgeable, I thought I would make a post just outlining ideas and questions that I have, along with what I would like to achieve.
I would ideally like two newts in a semi-aquatic tank. My questions are:
What is the ideal tank size for 2 CFBs? (Answer in UK Litres would be preferred)
What substrate is best? (I have read that gravel should be used as it can cause impactions)
Best temperature? (It seems they prefer cooler water but how cold? And how to maintain this temp? Answer in degrees C would be preferred)
What else can you have in the tank? (I have read a lot of conflicting information on putting fish with newts. I would very much like some Borneo Suckers -a.k.a Hong Kong Plec/Butterfly Plec- for the tank. Some places say the toxins can hurt the fish?)
Are there any planted options that are good? Any plants that the newts cannot eat?
Is a more powerful filtration system better? Or do they only need low filter action to keep the tank clean? If I had the suckers, I would ideally like a more powerful filter as they prefer faster flowing waters.
Is a light needed on the tank? If so, would a day light or a cooler night light be better?
Sorry about the questions but I would like to be as informed as possible before I go out and do anything.
Thank you!