Fire bellied newts life in danger??

Question
I adopted 2 newts yesterday for my son from a lady that was selling a Bow Front Herp Habitat (She was going to get "rid" of the newts). The cage was very dirty as it had never been clean.  The habitat also has some minnows in it. I just been worried and would like to clean the cage entirely, but do not know what to do with the newts in the meantime ??? The newts are also not eating, are the minnows necessary??. what is the best way to set up the habitat? Also one of the newts is extremely tiny (baby?).
Could you please help me!!! I am just a worried mom of 2 newts, 9 year old boy, a russian tortoise (whom I nurse to health after adopting), 2 dogs and a teenage daughter. :)

Thanks for your time,

Elizabeth  

Answer
Elizabeth, I have about 15 minutes experience w/ newts, so I'm out of my field here.  I'll tell you what I can.  For cleaning, simply put the newts in another container while you clean the tank. They would be fine in a smaller holding tank for at the very least an hour.  The minnows are probably not needed, but they might make the tank more interesting.  I don't even know what one feeds newts so I can't help there.  I'm sorry that's the best I can do.... BPC