Don’t use anything smaller than a 10-gallon aquarium. It is highly recommended that you house 2 newts together. You can safely house 4 newts together in a 20-gallon aquarium. The larger your aquarium, the happier your newts will be.
The area in your tank should consist of 70% water and 30% land. One option is to divide up your tank and build your habitat by creating a partition so that 70% of the surface is water and 30% is land. If you have a partition, make sure you have a ramp so your newts can climb onto the land. Another option is to slope your land (gravel or other matter) into the water so that the newts can climb onto the land via the slope. Another option is to have 100% water but make sure that 30% of the surface is covered by floating islands and other structures that your newts can rest on. [1] X Research source
It will keep your sediment down and help promote clarity in your water. Large gravel will be too big for your newt to accidentally eat. When wet, gravel is slick and your newt won’t be able to cut or injure itself on it.
Putting your substrate atop large gravel if you are dividing your tank or if you are creating a slope for the newt to crawl from the water to the land portion Common materials might include peat moss, sphagnum moss, coco husk, orchid bark chips and more. Consult your local pet stores for ideas or for a pre-mixed bag of substrate. Do not use regular soil. Make sure any material you do use does not include any chemical additives or fertilizers. [2] X Research source
Your water should be at least 10 inches deep (35 centimeters) Water should be at least 70% of the surface area of your tank. Your newt should have plenty of room to move around under the water. [3] X Research source
Pick one species of newt. Try not to mix and match. The Japanese newt is somewhat larger (3. 5 inches to 5 inches in length at maturity), whereas the Chinese newt is a little smaller (3 inches to 4 inches at maturity). The Japanese newt has a speckled red-orange pattern on its belly, whereas the Chinese newt’s belly is more of an orange color. The Japanese newt has a rough or bumpy texture to its skin, whereas the Chinese newt has a smooth texture to its skin. The Chinese newt’s tail is round at the end. [5] X Research source
Newts can live up to 30 years. The typical newt will live up to 10 years. Be prepared for a commitment. You shouldn’t flush your newt or release him in your backyard when you’re done with him. He’ll probably die. The most common fire belly newts are the Japanese or Chinese varieties. The Chinese newt is much more commonly found in pet stores. [6] X Research source
Newts are relatively fragile, if you handle them improperly, you could hurt them. Newts have poison glands on the side of their head. If you get some of this poison on your hands, it is likely to irritate your skin. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your newt. You don’t want to contaminate the newt with chemicals or yourself with the poison from its poison glands. [7] X Research source
Only use dechlorinated or spring water. Avoid chlorinated water or water with other chemicals at all costs. If you don’t have a filter, you’ll have to change your water every day. If you do have a filter, you’ll have to change and/or add a third of water every week. If you can’t tend to the water as prescribed, you should consider a different pet. [8] X Research source
Clean every two weeks or so. Take out your newts and temporarily house them elsewhere while you are cleaning. Remove all water, plants, rocks, any anything other than the gravel and substrate. Sterilize fake rocks, fake plants, and other plastic aquarium monuments with reptile friendly sterilizing solution. Consult your local pet store for this solution. Make sure to read the directions carefully. Refill with clean water and replace everything you’ve taken out.
The temperature in your aquarium should be no higher than 68 °F (20 °C). Avoid temps cooler than the low-50s. Monitor this often. Higher temperatures will stress your newt and cause discomfort or death. Keep your aquarium out of direct sunlight and consider storing it in the basement where it’s usually cooler. [9] X Research source
Earthworms. Bloodworms. Crickets. Chop your newt’s food up to make it easier on them. [10] X Research source
