Chinese Fire bellied newts - basic info

[AmbhiMan]

:happy: Hi Friends,

I am from Mumbai, India and I find this site very useful and informative on amphibian
care.

Recently I have got 4 newts which I believe are CFBN, need your help to confirm this.

Have attached the photos I have taken.

I intend to build a large aqua-terrarium to house them soon and hence request your inputs to my below mentioned queries :

- What should be the ideal depth of the water for CFBNs ?
- I intend to keep the water cool by using an Atman CS250 chiller which I have got for the purpose. What is ideal temperature that I should set for them ?
- Currently I am maintaining the temperature between 24-25 degree C by keeping ice bottles in the tank every 6-7 hours or so.
- I read on the sites that the water needs to be still and calm. I plan to circulate the water thru the chiller with a powerhead. I will used foam filters on intake and return tubes to minimise the water disturbance.
- the size of the tank shall be 48 inches ( length ) x 21 inches ( width ) x 24 inches (height ).

Welcome your views / advice on the above points.

Thanks & Regards,
Sanat

The pics of the newts :

 

[Azhael]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!
Have you seen this?:
Caudata Culture Species Entry - Cynops orientalis - Chinese firebelly

In the CC articles (links in my signature) you will find everything you need to know about husbandry and general care.

Try to lower the temperatures. These newts prefer cooler temps, about 18-20ºC is ok. 24-25ºC is bit of a risk since high temps inhibit their inmune system (which will be already damaged by the importation), leaving them defenseless against infections, parasites, etc.

 

[AmbhiMan]

Hi Azhael,

Thanks for your message, Yes I have seen all these links.

Could you let know on the ideal water depth in the tank ?

Regards

Regards,

 

[Azhael]

There´s no ideal depth, really, but something like 20-30 cm is fine. What´s important, though, is the volume of water. The more, the better. They also LOVE plants, so a densily planted tank is best.

 

[Crysta]

a nice long tank with lots of water is best - as for the height of it as long as it's as tall or a little taller than the newts are long they'll be happy with it.

18C is the temp at which mine 'seem' the happiest - so I hope that helps.

as azhael has said lots of plants - very dense - but still with a nice walking about space, a few hides would be good too, maybe some decoration based ones some that you think look good but still have a nice bit of shade.