Newt tank adequate I hope

[lotty]

I have moved the Japanese firebelly newts into a tank so they have plenty of room. I hope the interior is adequate for them. It is a semi aquatic setup with water one side and land the other. The land part has sand on the bottom, gravel on the sand, mesh on the gravel then coco coir on top. There are two coconut hides, weathered wood which has been boiled and moss so there are hides between the wood pieces. The water side has sand substrate with rocks and live plants in it plus a tree piece. Not sure if root or branch. The water is about 1" deep. The middle pic is of one of the newts having a snoop around and walking on the plants. It went on the large rock, back on the plants and then on the land part. Into hiding again. The other newt has not been to the water yet.
I glued sand to the partition so they have grip to climb up to the land part.

 

[Claughy]

I would find a different location for that tank, weight unsupported on the sides like that can lead to a bad time.

 

[lotty]

I would find a different location for that tank, weight unsupported on the sides like that can lead to a bad time.

True. lol. I forgot to put the board under the tank. I made a board for it to sit on.

 

[lotty]

Now on a board and with light on.

 

[AdvythAF]

Hi Ian,

I would recommend doing more of a fully aquatic set-up, with a floating dock. This is because Japanese fire-belly newts are mostly aquatic, so the land portion won't be used as much. Also, the water should be deeper because they like to swim.

The heavily planted water section is good, just raise the water level and make it 80% water 20% land. A floating dock will work well for this, or wood that dips out of the surface of the water. The newts should go into the water more.

Lastly, you mentioned you used glue to stick sand on the divider. I would caution you because glues can seep into water (often they are not waterproof) and could potentially harm your newts as newt skin is very sensitive.

Good luck with your newts! :happy:

--Advyth

 

[lotty]

I have put the little fellas in another tank with more water and a floating dock..
This tank will be set up as a terrestrial one for a pair of salamanders when I get some. Just cant find any for sale locally. I only have to take the water, divider and sand out and put cocosoil in along with the moss, branches, hides etc. I have a tub to use as a water part for them. Just have to get a pair now to go in it. There are already crickets in there from the newts not eating them.
Just a waiting game now.
I am unsure whether buying salamanders is a seasonal thing. I was offered 2 fire sals and posted for £28 total, but cant remember where I was chatting to the pperson who has them. I think he lives in Kings Lynne or Norwich. Deffo somewhere around Norfolk area.