Leaves/Substrate

[Sarasota]

Hi Everyone,

My 40-gallon breeder has three SRN with a bare bottom and a sponge filter. I added about 20 old 'live oak' leaves.

It looks nice and seems to add some interest for the newts.

Here's my question, can I add a bunch of leaves? In southflorida, we have lots of sea grape, magnolia and live oak trees. The seagrape leaves would be perfect for them to hide under and explore.

Thanks

 

[Otterwoman]

If it's in their natural habitat, it can't hurt. If those leaves grow near salt water, make sure they're completely rinsed first. I use leaves from the woods in many of my tanks.

 

[Sarasota]

Good point Otterwoman. I checked, sea grape and magnolia are indiginous to the Americas only. I was considering these two species because they are widely used in the frog hobby. I know newts and frogs are different but considered this to ve a good indication of safety.