Old Food

[oregon newt]

I usually feed my newts frozen bloodworms that I put in a jar that is in the tank, but sometimes they get caught in the gravel and get moldy. I can never seem to get them all out during water changes. Could they be harmful to my newts?:famous:

 

[Jennewt]

Yes, they could be harmful. Anything that rots in the tank can cause the water quality to go downhill. You need a siphon with a gravel-washing attachment. This will take them out, no problem. You should probably do this after every feeding, as part of your weekly partial water change routine. I think there is a photo of this type of siphon in the CC FAQ.

 

[oregon newt]

I do use a water vaccum, but somehow always miss some of the old worms.