Firebelly Newts Noob!

[archie]

Hi, I recently started to keep fire belly newts. I have a 125lt aquarium 1/4-1/3 full of water a 25% land area made of gravel, the temp sits at 23' with out a heater but have one set to 19' just in case. The filters are an elite stingray and a power-head with a foam on the inlet that runs a small waterfall. Anyway I recently bought 2 fire-belly newts, My tank was cycled using an American cichlid I then did a 70% water change with tap safe and add the newts (after returning the American cichlid lol) The 2 newts were around 2 inches. I recently purchesed another 2 from a different shop, They were the last left. When I got home I realised one of them is around 4inches!!! with a bright orange spotted belly and the other is an thin as a worm and only 2inches with a red belly. Now to my question, the thinner one does not enter the water, and in 2 days I've seen him in it for maybe 30secs while the other 3 are constantly playing in it. Also he wont eat unless I dangle it in front of him??? is there any thing I can do to help him? and are the 2 newts I bought mixed Chinese Japanese? many thanks for any advice. Alex

 

[archie]

Pictures soz bad qual!

 

[Jennewt]

The two newts in the 3rd photo are certainly Chinese firebellies. The setup looks fine, but you won't need the heater; they are OK down to near-freezing cold temp. The smallest newt may be a juvenile (which tend to be terrestrial) or is perhaps intimidated by the larger ones. As long as the small one will eat and doesn't dry out, he should be fine. He'll go in the water when he gets bigger.

 

[archie]

Thanks for the info, have removed the heater, the temp after leaving ice cubes to melt above it (springwater ice cubes) over night is still 23-24, I am going to make a perspex lid and fit computer fans. I don't understand why it sits soo hot, its miles away from the heating and my thermostat in my house is set to 19'??. I do a weekly 75% change with water mixed to 20' with tapsafe in it but the temp slowly rises, I've also got L.E.D lights with an energy saver bulb so next to no heat comes off of the light. Also the centre of the lid is removed so there's no heat build up. Any other suggestions apart from the fan lid idea? many, many thanks Alex

 

[AngieD]

It could be the filter that's heating up the water. Our fire bellies get along fine without filters. Does your filter cause much water movement? These guys like the water to be as still as possible, so it could be a possible reason for the little one being reluctant to go in.

Also, make sure the tank is out of direct sunlight, as this can warm the water up a lot - I put a board in front of my tank if it looks like it's going to get bright sunlight on it

 

[archie]

Thanks, I was actually thinking last night could it be the filter motor lol, The filter is pointed towards the glass in one corner, so there is no real water movement apart from a small area, but the weird thing is my newts will line up in a row and purposely swim into this area so they kind of tread water?? if you get my drift. The temp now sits at 21'. Will try with the filter removed soon and get back to you.

 

[archie]

Thought I'd let you know how its going. I've removed the heater, filter and gravel from my setup. I've also built a custom hood from perspex (shatter proof) and L.E.D P.C fans. Just thought I'd show you guys to let you know that your advice had not fallen on deaf ears Thanks for all your help. Temp now 20'-21 during the day and 17-19' at night

 

[Scorpion]

4 inches? I think that's too big to be a Chinese fire belly newt. Can you get a picture of it?

 

[Scorpion]

Nope. I was wrong. It could be a Chinese fire belly newt, and if it is, it's probably female.