[Chrispy]

i would rethink the betta. they have a tendicy to me aggressive and nibble at limbs. get something passive. and yes you need to cycle. and make sure the water is chlorine free. they absorb through there skin so chlorine could kill. the newts would do good in the 10 gallon. maybe get some guppies to keep them intertained. or even make a palindrome.

and about feeding? how do and what do you currently feed them. try isolating him in a small container with a little water (about 1/4") and dropping food in there. or hand feed him. it helps if it looks alive and they can smell it.