Fire Bellied Newts
One of the most rewarding pets I have ever kept are fire bellied newts. Fire bellied newts are very cheap and easy to keep. There is very little upkeep, daily feedings and monthly tank cleaning. I find newts much more interesting and fun to keep as pets, rather than fish and just as beautiful to watch.
If you are planning to keep fire bellied newts as a pet here are a few things you will need before hand:
1. A 10 gallon tank ( for up to 3 newts)
2. Some pebbles, gravel or smooth rocks
3. Some aged water ( spring or tap water that has been aged for at least 24 hours )
4. Some underwater plants ( real or plastic )
5. Some "newt food" ( will describe later on )
6. An irater ( to help oxygenate the water )
7. An aquarium heater ( for those colder months )
Ok, so you have all your supplies, how do you care for your new pet? When building your taranium make sure that it is approximately 1/3 land and 2/3 water. You should also make sure that the land slowly slopes into the water to make it easier for your newt to get in and out of the water. Make sure the water is atleast 4 to 6 inches deep so that your fire belleid newt has room to swim around. Plants are a nice touch, making your newts habitat feel more like home, while providing hiding places. Newts do fine at room temperature although you may want a heater for the colder months. Keep your newts out of direct sunlight. You should also make sure that your newt is on a proper day/night schedule, 12 hours daylight and 12 darkness. You can use any kind of light to accomplish this. You should try feeding your newt special pellets from the pet store as they are enriched with vitamins and mierals suited for your pet. Always make sure that your pet is consuming what you are feeding it. Newts are hunters and carnivors, they can sometimes be picky and you may have to feed it live food ( brine shrimp, worms ).
Other than that your new pet newt should live a long and healthy life, which can be up tp 30 years by the way.
Enjoy your new pet!!!
Fire bellied newt fan
