Newts & Aquariums

Newts are small amphibians averaging about a few inches in length. There are three types of newts: aquatic, semiaquatic and terrestrial. Aquatic newts live their entire lives in water, semiaquatic newts live mostly on land but enter the water to breed and terrestrial newts live primarily on land. Newts have sensitive skin and should not be handled. A newt's aquarium should be emptied and scrubbed clean with a 2 percent bleach solution once a week to kill any bacteria.

  1. Aquarium Size and Location

    • The general rule of thumb calls for 5 gallons of aquarium space for every two newts, says the Pet Smart website. Aquariums full of water can be heavy so use a sturdy stand. Place the aquarium in a low-traffic area where the newt won't be disturbed or bothered by movement or noise outside the tank, direct sunlight or drafts. A tight-fitting mesh screen lid is required to keep the newt from escaping and to protect it from house pets and people who may want to handle it.

    Types of Habitats

    • Aquatic habitats require a waterproof aquarium with a 2- to 3-inch layer of aquarium gravel and a floating platform for the newt to rest on. A semiaquatic aquarium should have a glass divider separating water and land. Spread a 2-inch layer of aquarium gravel under the water and sterile peat moss, potting soil or garden loam on the land. Place pieces of bark or shards of clay pottery on the land for the newt to sleep and hide under. Set up a terrestrial habitat similar to the semiaquatic habitat but place a small dish of water in the aquarium to keep the humidity levels high.

    Lighting

    • Newts are nocturnal but they need light to regulate their inner clocks that tell them when it's time to breed, so proper lighting is very important, reports the Anapsid website. Natural sunlight may increase the temperature in the tank too much so an overhead ultraviolet light or broad spectrum light is best. Any lights mounted in the aquarium must be covered with a mesh screen to prevent the newt from touching the hot light bulb. Connect the lights to automatic timers to turn the lights off and on every 12 to 14 hours.

    Heating and Filtration

    • Newts from tropical and semitropical climates require special heating to simulate their natural environment. Warm an aquatic aquarium with a submersible water heater, overhead lights or heat lamps. A terrestrial aquarium can be heated with overhead lights, heat lamps or a submersible water heater placed in a jar of water inside the aquarium. Heating pads may also be placed under the aquarium. Lower the temperature in the aquarium by 12 degrees Fahrenheit at night to simulate the newt's natural habitat. A small water filter is necessary to keep the water clean and free of bacteria. Change the water once a week.