Question: Are under gravel filters useful?

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Joanne

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I'm setting up my tank to get a new axie. My last one recently died due to misinformation - very sad :( I have an undergravel filter (clearflow brand), will this be sufficient to filter the water? I have a combination of pebbles and river stones on the base and a hidey cave for my new axie. I was never told about cycling the tank or temperature controls so Medusa only lasted 8 months. I want to do everything right this time, feel terrible that he died because of me. All help would be greatly appreciated
 
you should know that pebbles that aren't clearly larger than your axolotl's head are an impaction risk. Axolotls seem to have a knack for swallowing rocks. I think undergravel filters have their place in filtration, and are a neat concept. I personally wouldn't use one, but if you properly understand how they work, they can do a good job of keeping your tank in proper parameters. I would prefer a filter thats a bit easier to do maintenance on, but to answer your question yes an under gravel filter could filter your tank properly
 
Sand is highly recommended from the kind people on here, so if you decided to go that way, I believe an under-gravel filter will be a pain. I've never used them, so I'm not too sure about them, but yes, I think it should work..
Don't feel bad about Medusa, we all make mistakes, the thing that matters is that you understand what happened, and have seeked out information for this time. Sorry about your little axie, it is always hard. :(
 
I personally think that a under gravel filter is more trouble than it's worth when it comes to axies, they work well for fish, but not so good with axies, as a undergravel filter can be overwhelmed with lots of waste, which axies create.

As for substrates, sand or a bare bottomed tank are recommended, simply because of the fact that it's easier to keep the tank clean.

For axies, canister filters are best (budget and tank size permitting) but you will get along fine with a internal power filter or a hang on the back type filter, wich I use.

Just keep in mind that power filters can add heat to the tank.A
 
Undergravel filters really are one of the worst for an axie tank. Their waste is too large to sift through initially plus what waste does get through just sits under there and accumulates. When you lift it up to clean it, the waste flies everywhere. Plus you have to use gravel, and axies shouldn't be kept on gravel as they'll ingest it and it can cause blockages. Sand is one of the best to use for them or you can go with a more bare bottom. Large river rocks also work(they must be larger than the axies head, MUCH larger), but can be more of pain to clean around.

Depending on how frequent you plan to do water changes, you could even skip the filter initially. You can use a turkey baster to clean up in between major cleanings. They really don't like strong filters, so when you choose one, make sure you can adjust its flow or point it towards the wall or decoration to lessen it.
 
Hey Joanne, sorry to hear about Medusa. =[

I've never used an undergravel filter so can't offer advice on that, but it looks like the above posts have given some great answers anyway. =]

From reading what you've said about misinformation causing troubles with your first axolotl, are you prepared for your second with knowing the basics? This isn't a negative comment it's just so if you aren't we can post a quick check list of things to know. Parameters, substrate, nutritional foods etc. Which will come in handy with keeping your new axolotl happy and healthy. =]
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. I forgot to say that with the undergravel filter I also used a vacumm pump when doing water changes. I found that it sucked up all the nasties that were left in the tank. If I was to get a new filter what type do people recommend? I've got an API water test kit & know about food & am buying a chiller - damn Aussie summer! Medusa never swallowed any rocks so don't know if I need sand
 
Canister filters seem to be very popular as you can direct the flow and reduce it. I use an in-tank filter, but they can generate heat(some more than others), so since that's a concern in your area, I'd probably try a canister instead. There are also those that hang on the side which work well if your water level is high enough and you put something near it to reduce the flow/output.

Also, you may not ahve noticed if yours ingested the gravel. Often times it will just pass out and comes out looking like gravel, so you don't know until the one time they ingest too much or one is too large to pass, then you have problems. Its generally just best to avoid it as sand can be used.
 
actually canister filters probably generate more heat than under gravel filters, which use an external air pump.
 
thanks for all your help, I'll look into filters but think I may get an inexpensive one because investing in a chiller would be good with how hot it gets here. Any extra tips would be greatly appreciated - what sort of substrate should I use? I've got rid of the pebbles so should I just go with sand and a few large rocks?
 
sand is recommended, normal play sand should work, just check with the supplier to make sure nothing has been added to it.

and be sure to wash all sand thoroughly before adding it to your tank, and only use a thin layer, a couple of cm's should do, to prevent toxic gas bubbles and "dead" patches of water from forming that could harm your animal if suddenly released.

be sure to bring a magnet with you to the supplier, and bury the magnet in the sand, and then dig it up, and check to see if any grains of sand stuck to it, and if there is anything stuck to the magnet, avoid that sand, because if you decide to use a power filter, the magnetic particles can damage and stick to your filter's magnetic impeller, and could possibly mess with your water chemistry.
 
iChris said:
....bury the magnet in the sand, and then dig it up, and check to see if any grains of sand stuck to it, and if there is anything stuck to the magnet....
Click to expand...
Excellent point about using the magnet ;)
If you were to go through any potential sand substrate with your hands and the magnet wrapped in a cloth handkerchief, for example, anything that the magnet picked up would be easily transferable* by removing the magnet whilst the handkerchief is suspended over a sheet of paper.....



* Although a rare occurence, if you suspect that you may have the 'Black Death' or bubonic plague, your handkerchiefs may not be sterile and should be appropriately disposed of.
 
hi i have seen lots of people here saying that the best things to use would be sand as an alternative to "bare bottom" i have never used sand and just wanted to say i use 3 large pieces of slate to cover my 4ft tank it covers the bottom and theres no risk to axie ;)
 
kirstyandmark said:
i use 3 large pieces of slate to cover my 4ft tank it covers the bottom and theres no risk to axie ;)
Click to expand...
I've got a fair few Victorian roof slates (that used to be on my roof!).
Have you siliconed the slates to the bottom or are they removable?
I personally think that slate is so under-used as a substrate;

*It has the advantage of being easy to keep clean, it can't trap dirt or have bloodworms try and bury themselves in it....
*It provides grip for the axies' feet so much better than a bare tank floor.
*Can't be ingested.
*Natural-looking to the axie, and aesthetically easy on the human eye.
*Depending on where you live, they are very cheap.
*Slate roof tiles will often have a small hole near its edge. This is for a nail, originally, but curiously is a similar diameter to standard aquarium air tubing....
*If stacking bits of slate, once aligned, these holes can have a cable-tie, etc run through them for added security.
*Sharp edges are easily sorted with a Dremel.
*Has a larger surface area than glass, for beneficial bacteria to establish.
 
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Thanks for the heads up about the sand. So if I was to go to my local aquarium shop they should have suitable sand? I wouldn't be able to do the magnet thing because it would be in bags. Is play sand something you would get from a hardware store or gardening centre? I've only got a 40L tank so I wouldn't need much sand I'm guessing? Any thoughts on what type of canister filter I should be looking for?
 
Slate is another good alternative, as long as you ensure there are no sharp edges to injure your soft-bodied axolotl.
 
I like that idea of slate, I'll have to look into it this weekend to see what sort of cost I would be up for :happy:
 
as one of the above people have said my slate is old roof slate my husband cut 3 pieces to fit exacly to the tank size so there are no gaps they are just placed on the bottom of the tank nothing is keeping them in place im not to sure where you would get slate now but it is great they axies love it and iv never had any problems it looks much better than bare bottom and its 100% safe more people should definatly consider it :happy:
 
If they fit pretty much exactly then that's a bonus. Less chance of an earth-worm getting underneath.
If you feed live bloodworm, for example, I'd be tempted to offer them in a pint glass/jam-jar to lessen the risk of strays.
Not having your slates sealed in, means that you can occasionally lift a slate and have a hoover round with a siphon tube, without taking the whole lot up :cool:
 
i dont want to sound silly but how does feeding from a jar/glass work? iv always put the food on the slate left it for 10-15 min the use a hoover ttype pipe to suck up ant left overs:eek:
 
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