Eastren newts-breeding and enviorment

[david]

I have two Eastern Newts(notophthalmus viridescens) which I found in a pond next to the Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County, WV. I keep them in a 10 gallon tank, half filled, filtered and with an oxygen block with two imitation plants that reach to the top which they seem to like to sit in and a rock formation which is out of the water which they climb on. Also in the tank are minnows and I have a gravel bottom of large enough aggregate that they can't swallow it. I recently introduced a female (two days ago) and after a brief period of ignoring each other the male has started the mating ritual. I leave HBH Newt and Salamander Bites on the rock and a few of the minnows come up missing (of course). Any comments or advice out there for me??? So far, (I've had the male since 4/1/06) everybody seems healthy and active.

 

[karen]

I have 2 nvv's also. First, they should be in the tank by themselves w/o any other animals (newts or fish). Species should not be mixed- there are links on this site describing the problems that arise (you can do a search)- temp preferences and toxicity are issues. Definitely provide them with some areas to crawl out on, whether it's stacked rocks, tree bark, cork island etc. Regarding food, I have found my newts don't like newt bites (their nutritional value has been debated here often as well), you may want to try live food such as black worms or chopped earthworms or you can also purchase frozen blood worms. Also, check the water often- pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels need to be monitored- there are kits available in pet stores for all these. Do you have a thermometer? If not, get one (preferably an alcohol thermometer as opposed to the stick on kinds, which may be off a few degrees)- since newts like cooler water, its best to keep the temps below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (60's is great)- this can be challenging at this time of year...so you have to keep an eye on how warm it gets and perhaps do some partial water changes with cooler water to keep the newts comfy. Perhaps you can get some java moss and put in on the rock; I've found my newts love to crawl out on the rock and burrow under the moss. Good luck with them!