Question: Should I switch my newt to soft water?

[Feena]

Hello everyone!

My landlord recently installed a water softener in my building and I'm worried about how this will affect my fire belly newt. He's about 12 years old and he's never had soft water so I'm not going to change it until I'm sure it's safe. If not is there something I can do to it so that it is safe or am I better off just buying spring water from the grocery store?

Thanks guys

 

[Chinadog]

I would make the change gradually over a few days and keep a close eye on him until you're happy he's alright with the change. In my experience, the (Japanese) firebellies I keep aren't fussy over water hardness. I normally use rain water for their water changes, but if I don't have any I use our fairly hard tap water without any signs of distress from the newts.
By the way, congrats on keeping him happy all these years, I'd love to see a pic of him.

 

[Feena]

Rain water! Wow I never would have thought of that haha sadly it's winter now in Canada so I don't think I'll see rain for a while now I'm going to start to change it gradually now, thanks for the advice!

I have another question for you too! I can never remember if he's Chinese or Japanese.. I know one of them is more pointy than the other, like has a pointed tail and stuff, and the other has a paddle tail and more rounded features.. which is which? Mine has the paddle tail and I included pics! Isn't he adorable

 

[Chinadog]

Chinese firebelly for sure, male by the look of it.
A few live plants would really help with water quality, even the cheap bunched stuff they sell in petstores would really make a big difference.