Newt Care

Here are some care tips for Red Belly Newts, and Red Spotted Newts.

Housing:  Their housing should be set-up so that there is some land, and some clean water.  A 10 gal, 15 gal, and 20 gallon aquariums are the most popular sizes. (Do not use small plastic 2-3 gallons aquariums.)  Fill aquarium about 1/2 full of water.  No gravel is needed, or use a fine gravel layer. (choose smooth gravel).  Provide an area they can get out of.  Land-rocks must be very smooth or covered live sheets of moss.  Use a screen cover on the top.

The new "Vivaquarium",  set-ups that we sell provide a nice newt home.

A small filter should be provided in the water.  The Ovation 280, or 400 model does a nice job of keeping the water clean. Change the filter pad every 2-4 weeks, and do a 25% water change weekly.  Use de-chlorinated tap water.  Water must always be clean and clear.

Lighting:  A fluorescent or incandescent light is recommended.

Temperature:  Most amphibians like cool temperatures, about 65-75 degrees.

Food:  Try "Newt Pellets".. Supplement with tubifex cubes or frozen bloodworms.  They eat in water.  Remove uneaten food after several hours.   Feed once a day.

Live Food-for best health of newts, feed live food once every one or two weeks. Live foods include crickets, earthworms, tubifex worms, guppies and soft-bodied insect larvae.

Handling:  Avoid handling aquatic or small newts. Large newts handle only 5-10 minutes, wash hands before and after handling. Salts and oils on our hands are harmful to newts.

Lifespan:  Small Newts-4-6 years

Elmer’s Aquarium Pet Center    4005 Wm Penn Hwy. Monroeville, Pa. 15146    (412) 372-6535
Daily 10-9:30 Sunday 12:00- 5:00    Pet Specialist Since 1969    Last Revision- 12/05/05    

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