looks good! I do the same with the water in my tomato frog's tank. I leave a small amount of water in the bottom of the bowl when I change the water out. There is a nice algae build up growing on the bottom of the bowl. I wouldn't change it as often as I do, but there is sometimes poop in there, so I have to change it out then. Do you have a full tank shot? I'd like to see it.

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As to changing the water, I don't know how often. All things eventually decompose and recycle. Plants take up stuff like nitrate, ammonia, sulphur compounds, anything that is a nutrient for plants. I read that the newt may leave the water if the condition is bad, giving me some clue. I can't actually see any evidence that the newt is benefiting from changing the water. I've settled on every two weeks, and don't feed the animal excessively. How much to feed is another good question. I can only go by if the newt is fat or thin or looks "just right". I think they might actually live longer if not fed more than they need.

Some interesting facts about newts. They can live 25 years in captivity. They can grow a new leg if they lose one.

Some good links:
http://www.caudata.org/cc/index.shtml
http://www.livingunderworld.org/

What is a tomato frog? I'd like to get another pet, real small. Maybe a small gecko or other lizard, or a small tree frog or a small land salamander. Nothing expensive, just common species.

Looks good! Nice looking plants.

A tomato frog is big and round like a tomato. They get as big as your fist. Mine are not that big yet, but the male has started calling, so they are maturing. I hope to put them into a dry season this summer, and then when the wet season starts back maybe they will lay eggs.

dfourer,

Your plants look great.

Back2eight,

Pretty cool frogs