New owner to new newts

[robyn]

Okay, I've done quite a bit of research and found most of what I have been looking for...but just want to make sure I'm going about this right.

I just got three cynops orientalis and have a very crude semi-aquatic environment (10 gal tank) set up for the moment. Very crude. rather ugly too, but it will do the trick for the moment.

A few questions: First, I can't seem to find a definite on how big these fellas are going to get (I think I have all males, anyway...haven't looked too hard

). I read somewhere 3-4 inches is normal, but but can't find another site to back that up (I like to cross-reference my information). They are all presently no longer than my pinky.

Next, If they will eat the pellets, is that healthy for them? I eventually plan to try new things, but I'm doing all of this on a budget, so pellets are what I have and can afford right now.

3, what is the best filtration system to get for a setup like this?

I'm very used to goldfish at present (no, they're not together), so I'm ultra paranoid about silly things. i keep reading about things like a piece of driftwood in the setups, or other items that you'd never even think about adding to a goldfish tank. Are these items storebought, or would it be ok to find items from outside, clean them off well and add them? This is proably what I'm most concerned about. I have some neat plans for their eventual setup, but some parts are dependant on the answer to this question.

Well, that's it for now. Thanks for any and all help in advance!


robyn

 

[jessica]

The best info will be found on the Caudata Culture link on the main page of this site. There is a fact sheet with info about size and feeding. I think it says up to 6 cm in size, but I've seen pictures from people's web sites and they look to be up to 5 inches, so I'm a little confused about this one too. There is also a FAQ's page with some tank sets ups, filters, water conditions, and about feeding.

The type of filters suggested are the submersible kind, usually found by reptile supplies. You have to be careful with the filter raising the temperature though and some newts don't like currents. I have no filter but I only have one newt in his tank by himself with some plants. I change the water every few days and use a net to scoop out debris.

One thing you need to know is that many newts don't eat the pellets, mine didn't. They are also not nutritional enough on their own, some people feed pellets some of the time. One of the better things to feed is thawed frozen blood worms. Available at most places where fish and supplies are available. The easiest to deal with are the ones that have individual "blocks" you can pop out and thaw. I think I paid $4.00 for a package in January and I haven't used it all, but I only have one newt. They will probably not eat the whole block at once. They say something like feed as much as the newt east within three minutes and take away the rest after, more detailed I think on Caudata Culture. I use feeding tongs with my newt and he swims away when he's done. At first I used to just put the worms in the water, but he seemed to stop eating and people on here told me about the tong method.

The best thing to feed them is earthworms, but you have to cut them. I am too weak "stomached" for that, so I feed mine live tubifex worms. They are only about as wide as a pin and I don't have to cut them, but they are not as easy to find as frozen ones. if you do find them they are usually cheap. I think I pay like 75 cents for like a quarter cup but the worms die before I can feed them all. I usually give some to my toads too.

You can use stuff from outdoors in your tanks, you just have to be careful about exposure to pesticides. I live in the Phoenix AZ area there's not much available in my yard, so I buy my stuff from pet stores. It's always a good idea to scrub and boil anything prior to putting it into the tank.

Good luck I'm sure lots of people will input good info, this site is great and people are really helpful and they don't insult you for trying new things

 

[angelina]

Hi Robyn,
For cross-referencing purposes try www.livingunderworld.org
Between this site and Caudata Culture, you should be able to find the answers to all of your questions. And Jessica's right about the folks here being so nice and helpful.
Good luck with your "newtbys!"