Years ago I kept the same two species you mentioned, but I don't currently have any newts. I do have some other salamanders, including lesser siren, eastern tiger, mole, and spotted dusky. There's a great newt and salamander forum at www.caudata.org/forum.
A sponge filter is fine, and so is an in-tank filter. I use Tetra Reptofilters, the Duettos always fail on me. The most important thing with most newt species is keeping them cool; they prefer temps in the 60s.
A 50/50 land area is not necessary for most small newt species, including easterns and firebellies; they are fully aquatic as adults, though some will haul themselves out of the water now and again. A single small area out of water is fine.
If you buy firebellies, be sure not to get paddletail newts, which are sometimes sold as firebellies. They get too large for a ten gallon tank and will eat smaller newts.
By the way, beginneralex14, all newts are air-breathers. They are also toxic. I suggest you move yours to a fish-free tank, for his and the fishes' health.
A sponge filter is fine, and so is an in-tank filter. I use Tetra Reptofilters, the Duettos always fail on me. The most important thing with most newt species is keeping them cool; they prefer temps in the 60s.
A 50/50 land area is not necessary for most small newt species, including easterns and firebellies; they are fully aquatic as adults, though some will haul themselves out of the water now and again. A single small area out of water is fine.
If you buy firebellies, be sure not to get paddletail newts, which are sometimes sold as firebellies. They get too large for a ten gallon tank and will eat smaller newts.
By the way, beginneralex14, all newts are air-breathers. They are also toxic. I suggest you move yours to a fish-free tank, for his and the fishes' health.
