Chinese fire belly set-up

[Cruso]

I am very new to newts and this is my first semi-aquatic set-up so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

It is a 25 gallon. I added the divider in and also attached stones to it to make it more appealing. I used a layer of stones at the bottom of the tank and added plantation soil on top of that for the land portion. Also on top of the plantation soil there is sheet moss. Not completely finished yet.. I have the filter and plants coming in the mail this week so I will update this when it is completed.

I've had it set up for 2 days now and I can't seem to get the water at a good temperature.. it rose above 68 last night so I emptied the water and added cold about 2 hours ago.. it was at 50 and now it's at 60. I am trying to find a way to keep it cool. Right now I am trying a water bottle with half ice and 1/4 cold water tipped upside down, dripping in to the tank but I'm not sure how well it's working yet. There are no newts in it yet, but I am wondering how many I can house in it? I was hoping 4 but any number would be good.

ANYWAYS, here it is!

 

[Cruso]

I decided to paint the back of it yesterday. I think it turned out nice.

 

[jake96]

It looks like you might have to much land area. Fire Bellied newts usually need only a piece of cork bark to rest on other than that they do not leave the water.

 

[NewtsRAwesome]

Also looks like you might want to add something for the newts to hide in/under in the water.

 

[Adonis Lowery]

I agree, but I must say this is good work for your first set up. You may want to choose another specimen that may be a little bit more terrestrial in its habits. Keep up the good work, and remember not to rush it.

 

[jake96]

Just adding on what Adonis said this setup looks better for an emperor newt.(Tylototriton sanjing)

 

[arise]

It looks like you might have to much land area. Fire Bellied newts usually need only a piece of cork bark to rest on other than that they do not leave the water.

It's right....
The setup would be acquatic; then put some plants in the water.
I put an image in my album of my cynops or. tank.

bye