Question: Are under gravel filters useful?

I have a cleaned out peanut butter jar in my tank, I put the food(bloodworms) in there and the axies go in and have their food then I take it out and throw away any left overs.
It is less messy.
 
Last edited:
I use a food jar in my tank. The axie go into the jar have their food(bloodworms) and when they are finished I take out the left overs. It is a lot less messy.
lea
 
I use a pint glass (the straight/tulip type) angled at around 45 degrees.
Lower the empty glass (or jar) into the tank and let it rest securely at a tilted angle.
Introduce your rinsed live bloodworms, or whatever, via a turkey baster into the bottom of the glass, in a slow manner.
This way, clearing up 'after-dinner' means gently removing the glass....also, any panicking caudates will instinctively escape the glass reasonably easily if their need be, at any time, because it is in a tilted position, I find.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all your help! I've been doing research on what filter to get & have narrowed it down to 2. What's better a hang on the back filter or a mini canister filter? I only have a 42L tank so don't need a big canister
 
I would go canister but that is me. I have never used a hangon the back one but I have a internal filter for my goldfish and all I do is clean it.
Lea
 
my axies live in a 4ft marine tank i use the marine filteration system and have never had any problems with it i also do spot clean reagular water change ect i dont really know what type of internal wilter would be best
 
I have my axies in a 3ft tank with a ehiem canister filter and i love it. The gold fish tank will get one at some stage.
I cant help you with giving names but I can say what works for me.
I would love to see photos for your tank when you have done the renos.
lea
 
I've always preferred cannister filters on bigger tanks. They seem to work better. Although my Axo tank currently has an internal power filter going with a spray bar and it seems to be doing the job.
 
I have a 40 breeder(3 ft) and I use a marineland c220. It works well, but I've had to make my own spraybar for it to be useable. It does keep my tank spotless
 
Hi all :happy:

So I've had an exhaustive research week reading up on all information needed to make sure my new axie will have a better chance than Medusa. Here's what I've got so far, all comments and advice would be greatly appreciated.

1. Tank size: 60cm (L), 30cm (H), 30cm (W)

2. Sand substrate (silica based), looking at getting one that can support plant life.
I'll properly wash it before adding to the tank

3. Couple live plants - not sure which ones. Any advice?

4. Eheim 2211 cansiter filter or Eden 501 canister filter

5. Have a hidey cave

6. Couple big rocks - to big to fit in their mouths

7. Chiller - not sure what brand

8. Diet - frozen shrimp, mussels & bloodworms

9. API water test kit

Plan to have it all set up and cycled for probably 4 weeks before introducing my new axie to their home. Is there anything that I've forgotten or any advice on what I'm getting? Can't wait till I can set it all up, just need a name now...
 
Sounds like you're just about set.

Don't forget to get some dechlorinator for the water.

How are you planning on cycling the tank?

Plants, I've been told that Axols tend to uproot plants so when I went and got mine I stuck with the anubias attached to driftwood or rocks. I also put in a couple of little clumps of sword grass to see what happens, they are still intact. LOL!! You could also get some in pots to make it harder for them to be uprooted.

Are you having a light on the tank? If you won't be having a light you'll need to go for low light plants like the anubias, sword grass etc.

Good luck!!
 
Water wisteria, and cabomba seem to do well. I have a very low tech setup(no dosing, no co2, and less than 1 watt per gallon), and my plants are still growing.
 
Last edited:
Thanks so much for your replies. It's good to speak to people that have experience with axies & not pet store owners that sell them but have no idea! I so wish I had of found this forum before Medusa started to look so sad :sad:

Colinna - I intend to start cycling the tank with putting in a frozen prawn or mussel and let ammonia do it's job. I've read that this should start the process & have a water test kit to keep an eye on ammonia and nitrate levels. I use Nutrafin Cycle to declorrinate the water - my local aquarium thinks 1/2 tsp per 15L. Any thoughts? With your anubias plants, have you had trouble keeping them alive? Do they survive well in temps lower than 18C? There's an online store in Perth I'm looking at getting plants from but didn't know what type to go with. I won't have any light attached to the tank, they hate it & know that I'd rather a happy axie then healthy plants!

Carson - thanks for all your help too! It's been so good to speak to people that know what their talking about. I'm not familar with water wisteria? Do you know the botanical name for it? Sounds really geeky I know but maybe it's called something different in Australia. Even with Medusa I tried live plants but they always died. Reckon I was given so much bad advice that I was buying things that would never have helped the little guy live.

I can't wait to set the tank up properly now - off to local store tommorrow to get sand, look at filter & rocks. I know my new buddy won't be here for a while but am happy that you guys have given me the information needed to make it all happen :happy:
 
its Hygrophila difformis, sounds like your on the right track
 
Have just got back from the aquarium store with my new filter. They didn't sell the ones I'd told you about so ended up getting Fluval underwater filter. Has a 3 year warranty so seemed like a good substitute. The guy in the store has been working within the industry for 20+ years & was recommended to me by a friend who keeps turtles & has been going there for years. So I want to get substrate (sand) but can't for the life of me figure out where to get it from. He suggested pool sand but no places round here stock it. Any suggestions?
 
idk if you guys have lowes or home depot, but thats where I got my sand. Pool sand will work great as will play sand.
 
You could try bunnings for play sand. Please make sure you post some pictures of your tank and your new axie friend.
 
Thanks for advice - I'll give Bunnings a try on the weekend. Is Nutrafin Cycle enough to declorinate or should I use Nutrafin Aqua Plus. I'm confused!!
 
Sorry i have know idea, I use prime. Someone will jump in that knows about the product soon Im sure.
 
Joanne, have a read on the bottle. It should tell you if it dechlorinates etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
    There are no messages in the chat. Be the first one to say Hi!
    Back
    Top