Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I just purchased two little fire bellied newts from the pet store yesterday - I just thought they were so cute! I asked the guy at the store if they needed a filter or a bubbler or anything and he said no. I don't know if I believe him... could someone clue me in?
Also, I'm going to a reptile show in a couple weeks - can somebody give me some really fun species of newts or salamanders that I could get? I want somthing that will move around quite a bit and be fun to watch!
Thanks!

"Firebellied newts" could be one of many species, unfortunately most pet stores cannot tell the difference. The care of each species differs slightly.

The most common "Fire Belly" is the Chinese Fire Belly, Cynops orientalis.

Check out Caudata.org's What kind of Fire Belly is it? article to identify your species.

Whether you use a filter or not depends on how you set up the aquarium and how often you can do water changes. Take a good read through the Caudata.org's articles for info on setting up a healthy aquarium.

If you end up having a Chinese Fire Belly, check out the caresheet on my site (www.herptiles.net), as well as the caresheet on Caudata.org.

Christina
www.herptiles.net

That was helpful but didn't really answer either of my questions. Does anybody else have something to contribute?? Please!

Whoops, I seemed to half-answer that one.

Air stones tend to aerate the water too much, and too much oxygen in the water can lead to bloat. Personally I don't use a filter, I just do a 1/4 water change weekly and a 1/2 water change every 2-3 weeks. I also have a lot of live plants (Golden Pothos, Eloidea and Java Moss) which really help water quality.

If you cannot devote the time to changing water weekly, then opt for a filter. Read this (http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/filters.shtml) for info on different filters for different tank setups.

You should also read the following article on water quality to understand aquarium health (http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/waterquality.shtml).

As for entertaining caudates... I find Chinese Fire Bellies to be super fun to watch if they're healthy and in a good setup. Others can surely add their opinions

Christina
www.herptiles.net

You might get some conflicting advice about using filters with newts. I sure have. In general, I don't usually trust what pet store staff tell me. Some pet stores are great and have knowledgeable salespeople, but many don't.

Based on the books and articles I've read, here's what I've come to understand about the whole filter issue: If you don't use a filter, you will need to change the water more often. Maybe every few days depending on how many animals you have, plants in the tank, how much and what you feed, etc. Filters don't eliminate the need to change the water, but they cut down on the frequency and keep things more stable in between. You still have to test your water, though.

Different types of filters work in different ways--some just grab hold of pieces of "stuff" that's floating around (mechanical filtration), where others also use beneficial bacteria to actually help clear the water of harmful waste breakdown (biological filtration). They also differ in how they are used--Some filters fit inside the tank, some use a tube that inserts into the tank, some go under the gravel.

Larger filters can create some pretty good flow in the tank, with enough current to make it hard for a small newt to swim comfortably, and a really little one could even get stuck by the suction. If you've got a smaller tank, like a 10 gallon, you won't need a very big filter, probably. In my fbn 10 gallon tank, I'm using a Tetra Whisper 10i, which goes in the water. It uses a mesh bag filled with carbon so it's both mechanically and biologically filtering the water. This model is also what I have in my 10 gallon frog/tadpole tank and it does a good job in there. But for the newts?

Right now I'm not sure this filter is the right one to use for them, so I don't suggest running out and getting one. See if anyone else suggests a different model. I'm going to post a question to the group regarding the amount of bubbles that are being produced by this filter.

Your other question, and again, I'm new at amphibians, so this is just my opinion: Tiger salamanders are popular and easy to find. They're terrestrial, not aquatic, though. If you like an aquatic species, and you can provide a cool enough area, consider an axolotyl. They're relatively engaging for this type of animal. If you're going to a reptile show, you will probably see all sorts of choices. It may be a good idea to read up on salamanders in general before you go so you don't end up with an impulse purchase and find out you have something difficult to care for.

Good luck with your search!

Stingray brand filters produce minimal outflow, and some boxfilters are ok too.

Thanks guys!!!!

i use a whisper 40i in my firebelly tank. the water section is approx 5 inches deep and takes about 3 1/2 gal. to fill. i have one 5 inch fbn and one 3 inch fbn. both spend most of their time in the water and have no problem with the amount of current in the tank. at times i find them directly in front of the intake screen for the pump, but both of them are free moving and not being sucked in, and at times they will travel under the path of the falling water, which may stir them up a bit, but does not harm them. one way to cut down on the current of the water from a filter is to plant a submersible plant like anarachis, cabomba, hornwort, etc. about 2 inches in front of the falling water. or you can put a rock about the same distance away, both will reduce the current through the tank. the pic below shows the filter in the tank, the depth of the water, and a grey rock near the water fall that helps reduce the current of the water. i ahve also added submerged plants to give a natural look and help with any current issues. another filter i ahve used and worked well is the 501 turtle filter, it is an external canister filter that kept the water clean and allowed to create nice water features in my salamander tank.

Wow! That is a very nice set up! It sounds like your guys must be very happy! How long have you been keeping them?

i have had that setup for three years and i am working on a more natural an advanced setup right now. as for the how long i have had them, the oldest toad has been with me for 10 years, 2 other toads and the adult chinese firebelly newt are about 8 years old and the other 3 toads and one newt i have aquired over the past three years.