Expert: Nicole - 2/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have two fire bellied newts in a 10 gallon tank.  I am wondering what fish I
could include with them.

I was told at a pet shop that a hillside loach would work with the cold water,
but I am wondering if it will get along with the newts.

At the moment I have a snail and some shrimp to eat algae and the are no
problems with them.

Any thoughts?

ANSWER: The only problem is that the newts will eat alot of different fish. Loaches will do okay in the tank heatwise, and the snails/shrimp will work as well. Other than that, most fish are going to need warmer water than what is good for the newts. I would stick with simple to eliminate problems. Good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for you help.

One more question though, when I do a weekly tank change should I move
the newts out of the tank or leave them in?  I use a gravel vac to siphon out
debris from the substrate which seems pretty disruptive to me, but if it is
better to remove them what is the best way to do that?

PS- your advice has been very good, I had previously asked about mixing
newts with tropical fish and you recommended a separate enclosure, which I
have done and the animals seem happy.

Thanks for your advice so far and if you have any other suggestions I am
happy to hear them.

Answer
I would definately take them out while you gravel vac...I've seen small fish & animals get sucked up before and it's pretty traumatic for them. Just get a little bowl and put them in it with some of the water from their tank. Be sure to not use tap water.