Fire belly newt.. Question.

[hvc801]

My girlfriend decided she was going to get one, and put it in a very small tank set up (not what I had instructed). Now, the newt is visably unhappy and really not looking healthy.

I have a 55g aquarium with 7 tiger bars, 6 tetras(I think they're tetras) and 3 silver dollars.

Would I be able to see how this newt does is my aquarium? I'll also make a ledge so that it can swim out and sit by my T5H0 lamp.. Is this a good idea??

[Strider199]

Interesting idea. Beware the Tiger Barbs, these little guys are curious and love to take a poke at themselves, other fish and probably your newt but I'm not sure of the newt.
The tetras (neon, cardinals, glowlight, head and tail light, phantom tetras) and silver dollars are pretty passive.
If you have Black skirt Bleeding heart or seprae tetras you may have a nipping problem as well. Check out this tetra link to see what type you may have.

http://www.aquariumphoto.dk/3_char_am_tetra.htm

[ScottishFish]

NO!! Don't put the newt in the tank.

I have a paddletail newt, care is identical to firebellies. They can't cope in warm waters. They need to live in waters of 17C or slightly less. They can manage temps upto 20C but only for extremely brief periods. Prolonged time in warm water highly increases their chance of fungal infection and will most definately stress out your newt leading to death eventually.

[-Alex-]

Yep i also had a paddle tail newt ... and Fire bellies have a the same temp requirements alright.

The colder the water the better... dont put it in a tropical tank!

[hvc801]

Thanks for that information guys. I didn't put him in. I'm just going to get him a larger tank. He's in one of those really small 2 gallon handler tanks, I feel awful for him.

[ItsKourtneyYoC8]

I think your best bet would be to get him a 15 gallon or get two or three in a 20 gallon and I HIGLY suggest getting a very well fit lid. My friend had two and they disappeared but she also has a big 45 gallon.