Red Belly Newts

[snakehunter]

Im lookin for info on these guys, I would like a small herp to take to school, I think they allow aquariums, and these guys will be set up in a 1/2 full 5 gal, I would only get about two. Any pointers to info would be awesome.

[Nicki]

Too many species of newts are called red-bellies. For the smallest fully aquatics, you want to do a search on the net for cynops orientalis.

Here's a caresheet: http://www.caudata.org/cc/species/Cynops/C_orientalis.shtml

You need to keep newts COOL so a larger tank won't heat up as quickly, or you should keep your room below room temperature.

[Double J]

Good post Nicki

And snakehunter... keep in mind that there are a variety of newts sold in pet stores sold as firebelly newts that are not necessarily Cynops sp.

Keeping these newts COOL (that means NO water heater!!!!) and the water clean is the key to success.
With regards to food, Newt & Salamander bites by HBH are a great staple.

Good luck

[kidchameleon]

ive also heard frozen bloodworms and brime shrimp are good for them

[concept3]

fire belly newts are by far one of the most hardy anphibians in the world, You can keep them in a water setup with a rock or log for land, you can keep them with no water, just moist top soil, they will eat newt bites, crickets pre killed feeder fish, they have no lighting/heating requirments, the light in your room will be enuff to give them the proper day night cycle, they are a very low maitnence hardy animal

[daniela]

so they dont need mature water?, just some movement from a pump or somthing?

[joe55]

dont need mature water. oxygenated water does help. i just used a 1 gallon hex with no pump or anything and my fire belly newt is 3 years old. mine eat from my hands.

[Double J]

You need dechlorinated water if that is what you mean. You can age water overnight... but I think using a commercial fish dechlorinator is better as they get rid of the chloramines that are generally present which aging the water does not accomplish.