Fire Bellied Newt tank size?
I have a 5.5 gallon with half water half land, I have many plants, a filter, and a cave. I would like to put one fire belly newt and one fire belly toad is this good?
I have a 5.5 gallon with half water half land, I have many plants, a filter, and a cave. I would like to put one fire belly newt and one fire belly toad is this good?
J C
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no too small even for 1 newt 2 can go in a 10 gallon but that doesn't mean 1 can go in a 5.
also I dont like people mixing fbn's and fbt's beacuse of the following
ight first of all is the toxin issue every1 knows both of these species carry quite strong toxins and (before any1 says it) they aren’t the same toxin they are very different. both species are hardy and dont tend to suffer too much from this toxin issue BUT in resent studies there have been quite strong links to shortened lifespan when these 2 species are kept together. yes they can be kept together for years no problem but they probably wont reach there full life expectancy
Next environment: fire belly newts like cool deep (6 inch minimum) water and only really require a smallish land area to bask and sometimes sleep.
fire belly toad prefer slightly warmer water (while the lower temps are still in fbn tolerances it does only leave a small margin for error) and prefer shallow water 1-3 inches deep you will have to cater for both of these tastes and keep a very close eye on water levels
Aggression. fbt's can be very aggressive to those not of the same species and its been know for them to bite off legs arms and bits of tails (and i know of one cases a head was eaten and sometimes a whole newt or toad will be eaten) also its not unheard of for fbn's to bite arms and legs of the toads
food competition both species can be active feeders and will compete for food leading to stress and possible starvation of some of the animals
stress. as with all mixing stress and be a big issue and needs to be carefully monitored
water quality: both species are very messy and keeping a good water quality can be difficult
Anonymous
No you need at least a 10 gallon tank for 2-3 newts. Get a ten gallon they are cheap and would make a better home for your frogs.
Iliana M
Best not to mix amphibian species. I recommend picking either one or the other. Either way, both species will fare fine by themselves in a 5.5 gallon tank (assuming its a long tank and not a tall type).
Anonymous
no