Re: I'm worried Plz read ASAP

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: Hey, : You should get some research done, check out <a href="http://www.geocities.com/caudatecentral">Caudate Central</a>, it is run by Thera who frequents this forum. A really great site, it should get you started. : I am hoping you wrote it wrong, but you say a 1 gallon tank. ONE gallon? Generally a 10 gallon tank is pushing the small side of the spectrum. You need to create an almost entirely aquatic setup. : <img src="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1598384&a=12179456&p=45019765&Sequence=0&res=high"> : (Please note that "basking lamp" incandescent bulb was used only for additional lighting) : : Here is a brief description of what you need to provide in a setup: : 1) You need 2-3 inches of gravel. This will house bacteria which will break down the newts waste excess food. If you don't have adequate bacteria, waste products called Ammonia and Nitrite will form (among many other things). These are very toxic to the newt, so it is important to get the bacteria growing well right away. Undergravel filters work great for encouraging bacteria growth. : 2) Use water from the tap, and use an instant dechlorinator (such as Novaqua). The tank should be between 60 and 68 F, any higher and your newt will eventually die. (NOTE: the tank will be about 5 F cooler than the ambient room temp). Buy Ph, ammonia, and nitrite test kits from your pet store, and test your water weekly. The PH should be about 7.0, the Nitrite and Ammonia should be non-existant. : 3) Provide many hiding places in the tank. Use rocks, logs or whatever else you have, to create as many nooks and crannies as you can. This will help the newt "feel secure", which means he will not be stressed. : : <img src="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1598384&a=12179456&p=45021438&Sequence=0&res=high"> : (Here is another tank at my Pet Shop, with a running waterfall down it. Both attractive to the keeper (in my case customer), and a safe haven for the newts. This is for warty newts, but you can use it for CFBs and JFBs too.) : : 4) Have about 1/4 to 1/3 land, the rest should be water 4- 8" deep. : 5) DO NOT handle the newt- amphibians are a "look but don't touch" taxonomic Order, because there are many chemicals, salts etc in your skin that can harm the newt. Additionally, the high temperature of your hand can cause health issues with the newt. Also, <font color=red> do not mix species</font>, or you are basically saying you do not care about the animals. Mixing species will only lead to trouble. : 6) Don't even bother with the Reptomin, it is a sub-par supplemental feeding for turtles, and completely inadequate for newts. Feed chopped up earthworm (dont' collect near roads or agricultural fields), frozen/live bloodworm, black worm, red wrigglers, compost worm, tubifex and glass worm. Variety is not too important, but make sure he is getting adequate food (3 times a week or so). Don't feed anything freeze dried, that is like feeding fun-yuns or rice cakes to your child as their whole diet. : 7) This is very important- if you cannot afford a proper setup, PLEASE give the newt to someone who can! : Also print off some proper caresheets and give them to the pet store. Give them a page with links to good sites (such as <a href="http://www.geocities.com/caudatecentral">Caudate Central</a>, or <a href="http://www.herpcare.com/NHR/Newt/newt.html">Herpcare.com</a>). They may not be motivated enough to explain to customers what the newt needs (or find out themselves), but it doesn't take much effort for them to hand the customers a piece of paper with links and basic care that you make. : If you have any specific questions, please ask! : Good luck, : - Clayton -

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