Housing/feeding questions for eastern newts

[karen]

Hello everyone,
I am currently taking care of 2 eastern newts that started out as "pets" for a fellow science teacher. They are adults and he had them in a mostly terrestrial tank. Since I've "adopted" the newts and brought them home, I've been working on their home; at first I made it mostly land with a small water bowl but I've recently adjusted it to almost all water with a land island. Since I've grown to love the newts and don't plan on bringing them back to school, I'm preparing a permanent home. These are my questions:
1. Their current tank is only 2.5 gallons which is small (but was originally only meant for weekend visits), I'm planning on getting either a 5 or 10 gallon tank. Would a filter be necessary? If so, which is best for such a small tank (let's assume its 10 gallons)? I've read many posts here, but there seems to be such diverse opinions...
2. Would a substrate of larger stones (quarter size) be ok? I used to use gravel when I took care of newts many years ago (25 yrs ago!!) but I hated how filthy it got.
3. Any recommendations for live plants? This is my first try with them.
4. Looking into a floating island (not the turtle ramp)....has anyone had success with these? Or should I try to do a tank division with soil?
5. Feeding question....the 2 newts were severely skinny when we got them, in fact they hardly spent any time in the water or feeding at all. One newt even went about 2 weeks without eating (or eating much) and I was very concerned. Luckily, after settling in their new home with me (joy), they've become hearty eaters. Maybe too hearty....one newts has gotten quite chunky. I was concerned about bloat and did some reading on it....I don't think it is bloat b/c only his (her) lower belly is fat and he's ravenous....he eats like a champ and doesn't appear ill at all. Should I still be worried? Or perhaps get a nursery ready?? I've looked up several amphibian vets and may take him....

Thank you for reading! These 2 newts have reminded me how fun it was to have amphibian pets and I really want them to do well and thrive. Any and all answers you have will be very much appreciated!!

 

[ian]

Hi Karen, welcome to the forum.

1. I think 10 gallons should be alright, but a bigger tank is much better. As for filter, since the tank is not big, so I guess it is better to have it. As for suggestion about what filter to use, I think other people might have better answer. But I suggest to look for something with less current.

2. Hum... It shouldn't get filthy if you change water frequently. I will suggest that you do a water change every week with 50% water change. Since the tank is small as well.

3. Try Elodea, Pothos, and java moss.
http://www.caudata.org/people/JM/plants.html
for more info try http://www.tropica.com/default.asp
I think these plants will do too, Vallisneria, Hygrophila polysperma
Try to browse around that site and look for some plants that require less light and tolerate low temperture.

4. You might not need any island at all for adult eastern newt. But I do see some petstore use floating island and the animals do climb on to it.

5. That is great that it sound like you saved them. Let me suggest another possibility. Maybe that is not a he, but a she and she has eggs. It is possible provided that you just transfered them from a land tank to a fully water tank. and temperature getting cooler these days.