Axolotl set up: Best substrate options, and plants.

[Lexolotl]

I'm interested in setting up an axolotl tank, and wanted to know the best substrate options. I know not to use gravel so would fine grain sand be best?

Also, what about plants? Would they be a nice add into the tank or would they just dig them up? I'm referring to live plants.

Any help would be great!

 

[JessKB]

Here is a good article on substrates:
Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Substrates

I just use play sand personally. You can get a big bag of it at Lowes or Home Deopot for about five bucks. Rinse it well and you're all set.

Plants are a great addition to a tank. They are great water purifiers as they absorb excess nutrients such as ammonia from the water, add oxygen, give a more natural feel, ect. Anacharis/elodea, java moss, java fern, duckweed, naja grass, and anubias are all good options. Axolotls will rearrange them, so I usually just leave them free floating.

 

[Lexolotl]

I'll have to keep play sand in mind. What about pool filter sand? I have some left over from one of my cichlid tanks. (About 20lbs of it.)

So floating plants are the best, I'm also wondering if they would be ok with fake greenery if it was anchored down with some river stones?

 

[Lexolotl]

That's a great link, it pretty much has covered all of the basics that I need to know for substrate. Thank you so much.

 

[Tjc]

Are reclaimed genuine slate roofing slates ok if thoroughly washed?

 

[axiekeeper]

I have plants rooted in my substrate which is a dirt sub. capped with sand, I think you can have good luck with live plants if you start them early while axie is still small and give them a chance to root in good.
Im also gonna add some nice round stones that can be used to protect the root area in case I have a digger.

floating plants are better for removing nutrients from the water then "rooted" plants. I got both along with terrestrial plants, makes it all the more natural.

 

[Kaysie]

Pool filter sand is fine. I used the same bag of sand for years. I finally had to start giving it away. lol. Be careful with any stones. You'll really be amazed at how large a stone an axolotl can swallow. They MUST be larger than an adult axolotl's head (not mouth, but whole head). There is x-ray evidence all around the forum if you don't want to take my word for it.

Fake plants are the easiest ones to keep alive. I like silk over plastic as they're more natural looking, and they're less likely to cut soft axolotl skin.

Slate tile is fine too, as long as you wash it thoroughly and file down any sharp or rough edges.