How to Keep a Firebelly Newt Alive for Nearly Twenty Years

Firebelly newts can live many years, with good care. Read on to learn how.

Setting up the tank:

Use the pasta strainer and swish around the pebbles in some warm water. Do not put any soap in the water because it is harmful to your newt.

Arrange all plants first before you do anything else. Once you've got the plants the way you want them, put in your washed pebbles.

Pour some tap water in a separate bowl and put in water purifier, such as Stress-Coat, and follow the directions.

Pour in your water into the tank, making sure the amount is small enough that parts of the plants or whatever you have are above the water so your newt can come out of water whenever it wants.

Try feeding your newt pellets first. Hardly any newts eat pellets but if yours does, then stick to feeding him that every other day. Don't give him a full pellet. Break off a piece about a half a centimeter long so he doesn't choke. If he doesn't eat pellets, try bloodworms, feeding every other day. If he doesn't eat that, keep trying other foods, like meal-worms, etc.

Change the water every week. Pour your old water into a bowl and put your newt in it. This is the only time you should ever handle your newt. Now repeat step 4 and then put your newt back in.

Tips

• Always have a prepared tank before you bring your newt home
• Feed your newt on the day after you get it

Warnings

• Overfeeding is the main danger. Most newts die because of dirty water.

Things You'll Need

• Pebbles
• Reptile pellets and bloodworms
• plants or any aquarium accessories
• Tap water cleaner
• Pasta strainer
• A small reptile tank