Advice on new tank setup

[greerj1987]

I just picked up a 29 gallon eclipse 3 and cleaned it today. It is really nice and I am excited about it. I plan to run and cycle the tank for a few weeks before i get a pair of axys.

I am looking for recommendations and a refresh as i have not had an axy in quite some time.

-rocks - I have some rocks that i want to keep because of the algae that came with the tank. These are somewhat small and I don't want the axys to eat them so i figured I would layer something larger over them?
-plants - none yet, recommendations?
-water and treatment - will probably use tap water and treat for chlorine
-ph levels - what should i be testing for.

I plan on obstructing the current of the filter because I remember that axys don't like current.

If anyone has an recommendations or anything to add like a list or something I would greatly appreciate it

 

[knyptozoologist]

I'm in the same boat as you setting up my tank!

Personally I think I'm going to go with "play sand" (sand intended for sand boxes, which can be bought at hardware stores) because it seems like the cheapest and safest option (especially since it seems like it would be extremely expensive to get enough large stones to cover the bottom).

As far as plants go, I've found this an EXTREMELY helpful resource: Axolotl Sanctuary

It also has tips on the substrate, lighting, and temperature, but there's an extensive section on which plants work very well and how best to set them up.

As far as the water, I'm still researching decholinators to figure out which is the safest and PH I know is supposed to be over 7, I believe around 7.2-7.5 but don't quote me on that as I'm pulling that off the top of my head.

Good luck on setting up your tank!

 

[Kerry M]

Hi

I have read that PH can range from 6.5-8. I have very soft water (unfortunately) so my PH does drop. I am still working out how to manage this. So it may be worth taking some of your water into the pet shop to test for GH and KH.

You will need to purchase an API Master Test Kit for Freshwater. You will need to test for PH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate frequently when your tank is getting established, once weekly in an established tank before your water changes.

As for the stones, they are hazardous for a few reasons. Firstly, they readily get swallowed by axies and that can be life threatening. Secondly, cleaning waste in a pebbled tank is a large job. A couple of people I know have recently had very high ammonia readings in their tanks due to a build up of waste. Obviously this is not a suitable habitat for an axie. I am using play sand now however plan to use the Red Sea Flora Base product mentioned in Axolotl Sanctuary (above). That is an awesome site.

Have fun setting up your tank. Your axie will be very grateful when he/she arrives. Make sure that you post pics.

 

[Shizeric]

I had an eclipse 29-g and thought it was a bit too tall..but the hood for the tank fits perfectly with a 20 gallon long..might want to think about just using a 20gallon long if you plan on only having a pair of axies...saves a lot of trouble with cleaning and whatnot

As for layering sand..I would just keep the rocks out completely...Axolotls can dig around a fair amount and can expose the rocks...

Plants..I love anubias and java fern/java moss. They are super hardly and can withstand the cold water temperatures.

And lastly..for water...I just use tap water and let sit out at least 24 hrs...solves the whole problem buying chemicals and measuring stuff out.

 

[greerj1987]

I looked at the link provided. It was very helpful and I took some notes. Letting tap water sit out for a day will make it safe for a tank?

I have ideas for what plants I will use and will stick with sand and ditch the rocks. will prob pick up some river rocks or something of the sort.

More tips and ideas are appreciated. I used to only feed my axy blood worms, anything else I should consider?

 

[layna]

Hey, i personally have play sand as my substrate and its great.
As for plants i have elodea(spelling?) and some stuff from the freshwater section that just looks like long strands of grass haha, and a few fake ones.
The only rocks i have a really large ones they climb on and my PH was also low, to raise it i ordered some crushed oyster shell off ebay and put it in a skin coloured tight with a knot in the top, if you hide the knot under the ball of shell, the whole thing looks like a stone
and i use use plain old tap water with API 'stress coat +' in it and just leave it to sit for 24 hours.
Heres a rubbish pic of my tank