Ribbed Newt: Frantic Swimming at Night

[Izzdelatorre98]

Hi. Like the title says, my adult ribbed newt is very, very active at night. The water parameters are fine and he only acts this way at night; during the day, he is rather chill and usually only moves around to get air or just swim a bit. But the swimming he does in the day is nothing like what happens at night. I get home around 11 and my room is usually dark. I have been leaving his sponge filter (with air stone) off when I'm not home to see if that's what upsets him. So far, I can't tell. He just swims around in all directions frantically and it worries me. Does anyone else have newts who do this or have done this? Is something wrong with him? Thanks.

 

[ChristineB]

My ribbed newts are very active. Sometimes they'll just get a crazy swim mood. Does he seem agitated, or just goofy? Once mine burn off their energy they just kind of splay their legs and let themselves drift in an ungainly way until they land somewhere comfy. My three young adults seem most active in the evening and morning, and nap on and off day and night. They are supposed to be nocturnal but mine may be thrown off by getting a lot of natural light. I use an external filter that usually has the flow turned down, but I turn it up for a few hours sometimes for better filtration, and to me they don't seem bothered by it, even when the current will scoot them across the floor. I wouldn't think a sponge filter would stress him, although I'm sure they have individual tastes. I would just chalk it up to newt weirdness and enjoy his antics.

 

[Izzdelatorre98]

Lol, mine just splays his legs and floats around all day as well. I guess he's just a restless little guy

 

[AuSu]

I know nothing about ribbed newts but if I've understood right the principles of filtration you shouldn't keep your sponge filter off for long periods (hours). The good bacteria living in the sponge will start dying if there's no circulation and that might make your water parameters do some spikes which could affect your little guy!

 

[Izzdelatorre98]

So I should keep it on at all times?

 

[AuSu]

Yes, to keep it safe and beneficial for your tank and newt, keep it on all the time! Look how he is responding, maybe it's just been the difference in water when filtration is on/off.