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Just edited my post .

Thanks I would like to get some colorful fish, i like the sounds of the dwarf gouramis. But do you have any idea on the whole fiter thing and waterfall thing?

I need to know the actual species of newt, but I am going to assume that you are talking about firebellies. They are the smallest, most common, most attractive, and cheapest species and, chances are, the ones you are looking at. Be warned, as these fellas are cold water animals. Actually, they are in between cold water and tropical, and prefer a temp. of 60-70 degrees.

If you are shooting for the 60 degree range, I would use white clouds. However, if you want to try 70 degrees and have some hardy tropicals, go with harlequin rasboras. Possibly, you might be able to have neons, but I knmow many tetras prefer warmer waters. Harley's, I know are hardy. They should be able to survive in 70 degree water.


If you are going tropical, you might want to try some "underwater frogs". You have probably seen them in the same tank as the newts. Be warned, that there are two species. You are looking for a dwarf species that can be told apart by webbed FRONT claws. The larger, more agressive species have non-webbed front claws and will grow up fast, even if they are only an inch at the store. As a rule of thumb, petco has dwarves and petland has the big ones. Any kind of indipendant store might have one, both, or none. But I know both are extremely common and would look nice with small fish and another amphibion.

Some ideas:
2 newts
8 white clouds

2 newts
6 neons (or small schooling fish)
3 underwater frogs

2 newts
6 neons
2 dwarf gouramis

3 - 4 newts
6 neons

I can't help you with the waterfall, but I know they sell ones pre-made.

EDIT: I should mention that you DO NOT need a paludarium for firebelly newts. All you need is 2 or 3 rocks or other objects (including the potential waterfall) from which they can crawl out and breathe. A paludarium has half land and half water. This would lead to alot of land with nothing to use it and less water space for all your animals. But, you should only fill the tank half way so the newts can come to the top easily. Either that, or add lots of underwater rocks and plants so they can climb up and get air easily. A filter should be submersible. because hang on back (HOB) filters can suck up newts, allow and escape route, and will not reach the water unless you fill it all the way up.

Last edited by djtj at 02-Jun-2005 16:39