my small setup

[koala]

Here are some pics of my small paddletail setup. This will probably be just temporary (it's only 12" by 7", hopefully I can find a cheap bigger tank.

I've made some changes since I took these pics, now there is aquarium gravel (as you can see in the last picture), and instead of the rock I have an aquarium decoration that looks like a bell that he can hide in. I also have a filter in the back right corner, too. What do you think?

 

[MelanieK]

Looks nice for a temp home. I am pretty new to this but have to wonder if the gravel could pose some risk? I keep reading about various creatures on this forum getting impacted after ingesting gravel. I had gravel in my set up, but replaced it with larger smooth stones after reading about impactions.
Whenever I have to do a total clean of the tank I plan to remove the stone as well. I think it will just hide wastes that should be removed. I plan to cover the outside bottom of the tank with something resembling the bottom of a stream or pond. Some type of aquarium backing ought to do.
Will you be filtering the water, or are you planning to do very frequent water changes?

 

[koala]

I'll be filtering it, I just bought a little filter and attached it to the tank. To me the gravel seems too big for my paddletail's mouth, but maybe I'll change to big smooth stones, too. They're easier to clean anyway.

 

[Kaysie]

Regardless of what filter you have, that tank is VERY small, and you'll still probably need to do at least twice-weekly water changes. You've also provided no hiding spots for the animal.

 

[koala]

He likes to hide in his bell aquarium decoration.

 

[Abrahm]

What is that bell decoration? It looks like a piece of lava or tufa rock. Rock like this is very abrasive and I would be worried about putting it in with a newt. It could injure their skin. Either way, the bell doesn't really provide a proper hide. It should be something more completely enclosed, so that the newt can feel more protected, more surrounded.

You should follow Kaysie's advice on frequent water maintenance. This is an awfully small tank that needs pretty constant attention.