Creating A More Natural Tank/paludarium For My Newt

After setting up a 7 gallon planted Betta tank, I have been inspired to re-do my newts tank with more natural decor too. I have had my newt for about 11 years and always kept resin decor and fake plants in his tanks. He used to have a regular rectangle shape, but I upgraded to a 'half moon several years back and he has been a lot more active with the taller than wide arrangement. Currently his 'patch of land' is just a small magnetic ledge with a fake and rather yucky looking plant and underwater he has a resin branch and big fake more rigid plastic plant he likes to climb/hang out in.

I need some suggestions on substrate (gravel is a no because the newt can open it's mouth big enough to ingest it), sturdy aquatic plants that won't be damaged by a roughly 4" newt climbing in them and also general aesthetics of how to set up a tall, unusual shaped tank into a beautiful natural Paludariums. Also, for his 'land' area, I'm thinking I want to do another mag ledge but bigger and maybe with some moss and air plants? Lastly, this is a cold water tank with no heater so plants not sure if that limits plants species, but I thought I'd put it out there that the tank is unheated since my newt is a cold water species. Suggestions please!

 

Anacharis maybe. It grows fast and doesn’t need very good lighting. Mine anacharis grows faster in cold water. You can plant it or keep it floating

 

Anacharis would work, but some animals eat it, so try a small piece and see how long it lasts before getting more.

 

So cute! 11 years? Wow.

 

that's a pretty cool tank!! where did you get it from if you don't mind me asking

you could do anubias and I really like moss balls, I found them for really cheap on ebay and they are just like the 12 dollar ones from petsmart LOL

 

I love your setup.

For temperate plants, I recommend water sprite. You can plant it in substrate, or, like what I do, let it float. That I think your newt will enjoy swimming and climbing through. Best of all, it's easy to grow. In fact, in one of my tanks, it has no aquarium light and grows just fine with room lighting. It will even grow emersed, meaning the leaves will sprout above the water.