Any suggestions for my UNDER CONSTRUCTION tank? :)

[Lars]

Tank is a 40 gallon breeder with a Tetra EX30/45 HOB filter. Thoroughly washed play sand as substrate (50 lbs for $2.50? Yes please.) The PVC is temporary until I order their real hides, which is a surprise. There are other little plants that I am currently using in their small plastic tanks. I am going to to get a larger piece of Malaysian driftwood for the center, larger silk plants, and an appropriate background that matches the tank. I have three juveniles, so I'm hoping I will have about a month and a half or so to cycle the tank before they are large enough to be in there. Any suggestions or comments from experience? This is my first set up, and I would like to make any necessary changes before all of the water goes in and starts the cycling process. Thanks

 

[Shivermetim]

Looks like it's going to be a nice tank to me a pic of my tank for comparison if it helps I'm saving fo a 40gal probably same one lol

 

[auntiejude]

There is nothing wrong with plastic pipes for hides! I use plastic pipes and terracotta pots for my juvies. I don't think you need bigger driftwood - axies like floor area and what you've got looks fine.

Sounds like a good plan to me - make sure those rocks are as big as your fist as you'd be surprised what an axie will try and get it its mouth.

 

[JoshBA]

The tank layout looks great! It would be good to add live aquatic plants to the tank when up and running because they will help keep the water quality up (as well as help with cycling). I'd recommend java moss, anacharis, hornwort, or pennywort for fast-growing low light species.

 

[Lars]

Looks like it's going to be a nice tank to me a pic of my tank for comparison if it helps I'm saving fo a 40gal probably same one lol

Your tank looks nice I got my 40 at the Petco dollar per gallon sale, which is going on for a couple of more days. You can also get a HOB filter for free after mail in rebate

 

[Lars]

There is nothing wrong with plastic pipes for hides! I use plastic pipes and terracotta pots for my juvies. I don't think you need bigger driftwood - axies like floor area and what you've got looks fine.

Sounds like a good plan to me - make sure those rocks are as big as your fist as you'd be surprised what an axie will try and get it its mouth.

Auntiejude: I personally don't like the look of the PVC, although it seems to be the cheapest and best option. I can't find another hide that is really axolotl suitable, lol.

The rocks are much larger than the juvies' heads. I will monitor them as they grow; I know I will have to remove a few after they are larger.

 

[Lars]

The tank layout looks great! It would be good to add live aquatic plants to the tank when up and running because they will help keep the water quality up (as well as help with cycling). I'd recommend java moss, anacharis, hornwort, or pennywort for fast-growing low light species.

I do want to get live plants eventually... I just feel that it would be easier to clean the tank with fake plants. I guess I am lazy. Lol. I'm going to do some more research before I actually get some.

Thanks everyone for your input. I am currently running the water through the filter. Very exciting!

 

[keiko]

If you get something like javafern, moss or anubias you can tie them on rocks or other decoration and other plants you can plant in little pots. That way you can easily move them around for easier cleaning but still get the benefits like better water quality.

 

[keiko]

I can't find another hide that is really axolotl suitable, lol

Try ebay. You can sometimes find big enough caves and tunnels even for axolotls.

 

[GlowingFauxPas]

Try ebay. You can sometimes find big enough caves and tunnels even for axolotls.

What should one search for? "aquarium cave" or something like that?

 

[keiko]

What should one search for? "aquarium cave" or something like that?

Yes that'll work. Or select "shop by categories" -> "pet supplies" -> "fish and aquariums" and then make selections on the left to see all kinds of stuff.

I for example have one of these. I have a plant growing from the tree stump and that looks pretty nice.