Just bought my first 2 FBT, and need to ask a few questions?

[Ribbity]

hey!

I've just bought my first 2 FBT a male and a female, for possible purposes of breeding, I was wondering if ordinary tap water is fine for the tank or do i have to treat it as though you would a fish tank? i've read various answers to this and would like an opinion from someone on here.

- Also what types of plants can i place in my tank?

I bought my tank from a specialist pet store kind of local to me, that specializes in reptiles and amphibians, The owner sold me the whole set-up ready to use from the shop floor. which has accommodated a paddle tailed newt and a fire bellied toad. they live in harmony, but what are your opinions on that as well as i have read many different variations on the subject? apparently its absolutely fine to mix the pair just don't add any other species in with them (not that i will)

-do you know if i need a filter for the tank, if so do you know what the best websites for that is?

would be glad to hear from you guys!

Ribbity

[4mb3rNich0l3]

You have to treat the water....

-Amber

[Ribbity]

any ideas what with? i have fish and have some tap safe and stress stuff.

thanks

[Fae]

It's called reptisafe I think. Comes in a green bottle. It's made by Tetra. You can find it at wal mart or PetSmart.

And for plants I use pothos.


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[Fae]

Actually my bad, it's called AquaSafe.

[Ribbity]

thanks Fae
just ordering some now, i dont live in the US so Wal Mart and petsmart are off limits to me unless i board a plane haha
is there anything else that you could tell me that would be useful ensuring my toads are kept nice healthy?

Ribbity

[Fae]

You will need a filter unless you plan on doing water changes A LOT. The filter I recommend is the Tetra Reptofilter or TetraFauna Decorative Reptofilter, depending on if you want a water fall. The only difference in them is that the decorative filter is made to look like a water fall. You can see them here: Tetra ReptoFilter™ - Reptile - Sale - PetSmart and Tetrafauna™ Decorative ReptoFilter - Filtration - Reptile - PetSmart

Where are you ordering from? You may be able to get the filter from there.

What size is your tank?

Also, you shouldn't keep anything with your FBTs other than more FBTs. Fire-bellied newts are not harmed by the toxins from the FBTs but the toads may harm newts when feeding. They like to chomp down on anything that moves and I have heard of newts losing limbs to FBTs, even though they don't have teeth.

You can however keep some fish such as minnows with your toads. Just make sure that a) the minnows are too big for the toads to eat and b) they are too fast for your toads to catch, because the toads may try to eat them. Although you may not have a problem with that if you feed your toads a lot.

[dsaundry]

If you have it over there you can also use an aquarium product called "Prime" it treats the water just fine. I would also include some almond leaves in your water as they also remove some toxins as well, the only drawback to some people is the almond leaves discolor the water a bit. Doesn't bug me at all. My "Super Blue Auratus" tadpoles do just fine in it. Prime and almond leaves are also available through Ebay.

[ava987]

I've had my fire bellies for 9 years now and I've always used just used room temperature tap water. Where I live the tap water is not high in chlorine or iron so it's fine to drink as well. I once tried a more aquatic set up with water deep enough for a small fish tank filter and they did not approve! I've never had any problems because of untreated water.

As for plants, I usually just use moss. It holds water and doesn't die. One of my toads is quite fond of hiding in it as well!

When it comes to the newt, I've had them together before with no problem, but I do know a friend who had large toad that ATE a small fire bellied newt, which I didn't think was possible. Just watch out if you bring in new toads! Mine aren't the brightest and will try to eat anything that moves and you might get a new one who does the same.

Good luck and enjoy your new pets!

[Ribbity]

thanks guys this is all great info to take on board.

ava as for the newt its not a fire bellied newt, but a paddle tailed newt which is bigger than the FBT newt. My waters drinking water, i'm going to see how they do without a filter and then make a decision later cause from what everyone's say the filter doesn't sound compulsory.

- as for the size of my tank im genuinely not sure! i bought the display tank at the pet shop. and the guy didnt specify what size it was.

the make of the tank is aqua one.

thanks

[Ribbity]

this is my tank.

ReptEvo 600

it doesn't specify what litre it is though, can anybody help in this area?

many thanks

[heyjude2200]

I've had my FBT's nearly 2 years and found out early that they like plants but are very rough on them. Early on I had some more delicate plants and they trashed them in no time. Now I use mostly pothos aka philodendrum. They like it, it's sturdy enough that they can sit/climb on the leaves and not break them. However several months ago I bough 2 underwater plants that don't require planting, they just float around in there, and have lasted well. Sorry, but I can't recall the names (will ask again next time I'm in that store) but they are a great addition and my FBT's aren't too rough on them. One looks like a tiny bunch of green bananas that just sits or moves around on the bottom of the tank. The leaves grow up until they sit on top of the water. Some times the frogs will hang onto them and float, but mostly they just swim around them. The other plant has reddish leaves with a different shape, I'll try & post some pics.