Fire Bellied Newts and RES's

[leggomypleco]

yes they can affect the turtle and the toxins are at the highest when the animal is stressed so the transition to the new tank may cause the newts to release the toxins. But if you do decide to keep the two species together you should do multiple and massive water changes to keep toxins to a minimal. how big is your slider is it large enough to eat the FBNs

[leggomypleco]

oh try this site there are experts on this discussion the admin FROGSONG can help you out http://www.vivariumforum.com/community/

[jay2487]

Well he is only a little over 2 inches diameter so most would say no but I have seen him eat fish 5x his size, catching them by the tail and eating the whole thing in sections so I'm sure he could if he tried. My thoughts were that he doesn't even attempt to bite catfish, i believed this was because of the toxins in the barbs because he will bite an algae eater any chance he gets, it never hurts them but he will avoid the catfish, so i thought that the toxins in the newt would keep him away. I didn't know the toxins would be bad enough to contaminate the water and hurt the turtle. Unless the newt can do like the catfish and repell the turtle then I am sure he would try to take a bite if given he chance

[lowlight]

I had a fire belly newt for years, we were buddies. I had him in a 20gal which was half water half gravel (very fine gravel), some rocks (not sharp) and some small plants, can't remember what kind. I used a regular reptile light if I remember and no heater. Fish will nip at there tales and damage them so I would use caution with fish. Great pets and when there happy they do make noise. Mine used to churp or make a clicking sound.

[annageckos]

The turtle and newt should not be put together. As already stated, the newts are toxic. The red color on the belly is to warn predators of the toxins. But unlike a catfish the newt will be sacreting the toxins into the water and it will be worse with a predator around all the time. The newts will be constantly stressed. They are also cold water animals and need more land then a 'turtle dock'. Best to set up a small tank for them or wait. Also I see you say you have 'catsharks' what kind. Sorry, I really didn't understand what you wrote. Are they silver/ columbian? If so they are large fish that need brackish water and then full salt as adults.

[jay2487]

Yes they were colombian sharks but I gave them to a friend with a more suitable tank. I have abandoned the newt idea for now, but they are really cool. I just am not a fan of having fish or reptiles that must live alone. I like having a tank with many species.

[tallenskinny]

Yes they were colombian sharks but I gave them to a friend with a more suitable tank. I have abandoned the newt idea for now, but they are really cool. I just am not a fan of having fish or reptiles that must live alone. I like having a tank with many species.

i agree, i was planning on getting a newt too

now im trying to think what else cud live with a turtle??lol

[jay2487]

i agree, i was planning on getting a newt too

now im trying to think what else cud live with a turtle??lol

Well frogs are out of the question too tallenskinny, lol. I was watching youtube videos earlier and there were a few RES's destroying little frogs. The frogs don't even try to run. I got a couple bichirs a week or two ago and they are doing fine. Not reptiles but very snake like and the turtle can't even get close to either one. They are great hiders and eat what the turtle leaves behind. Those fire belly newts are awesome though. I might just get a couple and build a terrarium out of my 55gal.