Just got two Rough Skinned NEwts this morning.

[s1ren]

Oh, no! I'm sorry!

Is your water filtered at all, or do you just do regular changes? You might want to test your water (you can buy kits from aquarium stores) to see if you have a high ammonia or nitrate/ite levels.

[Tindomul1of9]

I have a 501 canister filter. I also changed all the water except the one in the filter. Took out all the gravel and replaced it with riverbed sand.
Did I say that already?

[s1ren]

About the sand? Yeah. I dunno if that has anything to do with it, though - I have no experience with sand (yet).

[Tindomul1of9]

I put the sand in after the death of the male. The sand is supposed to be good for them. Its soft, and prevents impaction.

[Pavel]

Never having done the aquatic thing, take this query for what it's worth.... Would it be possible to set up a filtrations system somewhat like that for fish to help keep the water cleaner?

[Tindomul1of9]

It would help, but I don't think it has to capacity to keep tank with more than 5 or 6 fish healthy.
As an update, the female is still alive, and eating. I lowered the water level to just over an inch and she seems to enjoy her tank much more. I get the feeling she is in a terrestrial mood rather than aquatic.

[matthew potatos]

If you use sand your risking impaction on ur newts.They are so small that even sand if they bite it and swallow it the sand could get stuck in their throat or stomach and it could eventually kill them.

[Tindomul1of9]

Hi all,

I am no longer using sand, but soft clay substrate. The female is still alive and I have since gotten her what I think to be a male companion. I keep feeding, they keep living.

[Rainfrog]

Good to hear from you Tindo!

[Tindomul1of9]

Thanks, I do check in from time to time when I have the time.