Hello from Chicago South Suburbs

[Finchop1]

Hello fellow Caudata enthusiasts, I am a retiree with a long history of animal care. From corydoras catfish for local pet stores as a teen to breeding African and Australian finches for 20 years. At a Feb. 2019 local tropical fish club meeting a gentleman brought in a bucket with Spanish Ribbed newts - I brought home 4. They were so cool! Fast forward to a Sept. 2019 Rockford, Il. fish fair - Jake B. had a table with 5 count em - 5 different species of newts!!! I was totally amazed and intrigued. Apparently 90 fish tanks in the basement left room for a newt explosion. At this time I am fortunate enough to have the following species:

4 Spanish Ribbed (have bred)
9 N. crocatus
7 T. marmoratus
4 C. orientalis
9 I. alpestris
Many L. vulgaris (breeding)h
Pr. T dobrogicus

Having stared for hours and hours observing the habits and sex lives of tropical birds and fish, I stare for hours now at all of my newt collection too! Attached are my Alpine, Marbled and Spanish Ribbed newt tanks. Happy newting to all, Steve

 

[GulfCoastAxolotls]

Hello fellow Caudata enthusiasts, I am a retiree with a long history of animal care. From corydoras catfish for local pet stores as a teen to breeding African and Australian finches for 20 years. At a Feb. 2019 local tropical fish club meeting a gentleman brought in a bucket with Spanish Ribbed newts - I brought home 4. They were so cool! Fast forward to a Sept. 2019 Rockford, Il. fish fair - Jake B. had a table with 5 count em - 5 different species of newts!!! I was totally amazed and intrigued. Apparently 90 fish tanks in the basement left room for a newt explosion. At this time I am fortunate enough to have the following species:

4 Spanish Ribbed (have bred)
9 N. crocatus
7 T. marmoratus
4 C. orientalis
9 I. alpestris
Many L. vulgaris (breeding)h
Pr. T dobrogicus

Having stared for hours and hours observing the habits and sex lives of tropical birds and fish, I stare for hours now at all of my newt collection too! Attached are my Alpine, Marbled and Spanish Ribbed newt tanks. Happy newting to all, Steve

very cool collection you have there!

 

[Finchop1]

Thank you GulfCoastAxolot! Most were acquired as youngsters so watching them mature has been fascinating. I moved all but the Smooth newts
from "finished and heated" 68-72 degree section of the basement to an unheated 58-60 degree area. The 10 degree drop in temp really made a difference in their comfort level. 70% water changes for everybody every 3 weeks keeps them happy!