Page from Alexandria

[paging12]

Hi:

Thank you for having me and welcoming me to the forum.

My son is now about the same age that I was when I had my first newts. It is something that he is interested in and would be a lot of fun to get back into. I tried for a time when I was college as well, but other interests took over.

Growing up, I was used to, in California, just walking into an aquarium store and seeing and purchasing fire-bellied newts. The same in Washington state when I was in college. Yesterday, I took my son to the local Petco just to see and they had nothing. I was saddened and surprised. I looked up some of the statues here in the commonwealth. While non-native newts are legal to own here, it seems that local ordinances are weary of "exotic" animals. Huh. Things have changed, gotten a lot more expensive, and harder to come across.

I have read Frank I.'s book. The Caudata Culture website is really good too. My son and I both look forward to getting back into this. I am thinking about finding a good local aquarium store, and slowly building a 20-gallon tank with live plants for aquatic newts. Should be fun.

Thank you!

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[minorhero]

Hello and welcome.

All the newts that used to be in aquarium stores were wild caught imports from overseas. In 2016 the USA banned all imports of newts. So you won't find any in local fish stores anymore with very few exceptions. These days the hobby is kept alive by private breeders. There are a handful in VA/Maryland (I am a few hours north of you in Maryland for example). If you are in Virginia now, a new fish store opened up near you called Tropical Exotics. I have not been, but they advertise plant and tank sales.

Just keep in mind whatever tank you pick you will need a lid that goes all the way around as newts can climb glass, not well, but well enough to escape. You will also likely want a fan blowing on the waters surface to keep it cool which means either a mesh lid, custom mesh lid, or a lid open in the middle. Hopefully that's helpful. Good luck!

 

[paging12]

Thanks, minorhero. I look forward to potentially working with you in the future as we get closer to actually purchasing newts. Thanks for helping to keep the hobby alive.

I have been thinking about how to build my aquarium, working towards creating a habitat geared towards the specific newt available. Maybe I can build it towards an Alpine Newt, hoping that you will continue to be able to breed them? Or your Kaisers perhaps?

I have followed you and will look up Tropical Exotics.

Thank you!

 

[minorhero]

Thanks, minorhero. I look forward to potentially working with you in the future as we get closer to actually purchasing newts. Thanks for helping to keep the hobby alive.

I have been thinking about how to build my aquarium, working towards creating a habitat geared towards the specific newt available. Maybe I can build it towards an Alpine Newt, hoping that you will continue to be able to breed them? Or your Kaisers perhaps?

I have followed you and will look up Tropical Exotics.

Thank you!

My kaiser's haven't bred for me yet, likely still too young. The alpines breed every year though. Either species is completely aquatic. So all you need is a well planted aquarium in the 60s F, and you are good to go. Good luck!