Fire Bellied Newts.

[big mick]

Ive had my fire bellied newts tank set up for a week now and as you can see I have a pice of wood coming out of the water so they can climb out. Problem is ive noticed little tiny patches of white mould developing on the part out of the water nera the water level where the wood is damp.

You can see one newt in the bottom left and the other is on the wood

Also, Im just feeding them bloodworm every couple of days....is that alright? and what else can I feed them?

 

[xautomaticflowersx]

They look lovely! I like their tank too. Bloodworms are great as they will help to enhance the red colouration. They'll also eat small earthworms, small locusts and small crickets. Stay away from mealworms because they have a hard shell which is difficult for amphibians to digest and also stay away from waxworms on the whole as they are basically pure fat. They do make a nice treat every now and again, but it seems pointless to buy a tub of waxworms only to feed one or two a week! Try here for earthworms, locusts and crickets... there is also a size-guide at the top of the page so you know what to order: http/www.livefoods.co.uk
As for the mould thing... I'm not sure? What's the current like at that point in the water? You could always increase the current and the water disturbance so that there is some flow around the wood, rather than letting it stand still at the surface. Maybe that would help?

 

[big mick]

thats great cheers, the current flows behind the wood and round infront of it.

I used to keep all sorts of reptiles.....like gecko's etc so Im familiar with mealwork and wax worrm, never thought of things like that, nice one.

I was thinking of tring them with little tiny pieces of prawn?

 

[xautomaticflowersx]

I've not heard of using prawn before, so I can't really comment. An afterthought though about locusts - they have cerrated hind legs. Amphibians have softer skin than reptiles... I would be inclined to pinch off the hind legs of any teensy locusts you might use for them to avoid any injuries.

 

[big mick]

To be hosent they are only about 4" long including their tails so I doubt they could eat locusts. Even the crickets will be out since they will just drown straight away 9unless they maroon themselves on the wood. I'm going to try them with prawn tomorrow.

Thanks very much for all you suggestions though