Hi All,

My Fire-Bellied Newt has finally taken to the water after 8 months being terrestrial. He eats fine etc. My only concern is that he constantly seems to be digging in the corners of the tank or trying to swim through the glass. He often spends a lot of time trying to go further than the tank and swim at the glass.

Anyone else experienced this or have any tips to prevent this?

Thank You!

 

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Hi Mnalik,


I don't have an answer for you but one of my ribbed newts does this too. There's plenty of room, plants and hiding places and the water quality is fine. The preferred corner of the tank for "using the treadmill" faces a blank wall so maybe she's seeing a reflection?

Does anyone else have any insights?

 

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I agree with SKC. If all the parameters are good and there isn't any other stressors around, it should be good. My newts do this as well and even my fish!

 

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You could hang something on the sides out side of the tank and see if that helps with his swimming into the walls. Paper or something.

 

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My firebellies would do this as well but they seemed otherwise healthy. Perhaps more floating plants would help?

 

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I can't wait to see mine swim in the tank glass, but I think it will take time for him to adjust in his new home.

 

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