Axolotl tank

The gfp gene wasn't injected for novelty purposes in axolotls. They were studying their amazing regenerative properties and the gfp protein is a common way to monitor the stuff going on in their cells. For those who understand the gfp gene it's a cool pet to have and something that helps understand genetics. It's not something that should be exploited by showing off to people. I have two axolotls that are gfp and can't remember the last time they were exposed to uv light. I don't condemn gfp axolotls or even compare them to things like dyed animals or glofish which were created solely for aesthetics. It's the reason there is only gfp axolotls and not rfp or bfp axolotls.


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Boomsloth said:
The gfp gene wasn't injected for novelty purposes in axolotls.

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Correct they weren't injected for novelty purposes, but now to A LOT of GFP axolotl owners it's a novelty as most people want them because they glow. And they glow more bright under UV. I've seen and heard of plenty of users using the lights for long periods of time or constantly flicking them off and on to show them off. Just think it's incredibly stupid for owners to do this. If you/others own one - then cool, but if they use UV lights and disregard the well-being of the animal - then so not cool.
 
hayleykahnita said:
Correct they weren't injected for novelty purposes, but now to A LOT of GFP axolotl owners it's a novelty as most people want them because they glow. And they glow more bright under UV. I've seen and heard of plenty of users using the lights for long periods of time or constantly flicking them off and on to show them off. Just think it's incredibly stupid for owners to do this. If you/others own one - then cool, but if they use UV lights and disregard the well-being of the animal - then so not cool.
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Absolutely. I'm getting a degree in biology so to me it's not about a glowing pet but about the insertion of this gene that's I've read about in so many papers. When I was first looking into axolotls and then stumbled upon the gfp axies, I saw one person who only kept a uv light on the tank at all times. I do agree that gfp axolotls should not be sold as a cool glowing pet but a more sensitive axolotl. There really isn't a point for them to someone who doesn't appreciate the science because they are just a normal axolotl except for sometimes a slight green tint.
jyqyrasy.jpg

Can you spot my two gfps in that pic? I can tell all my axolotls apart but except for a slight greenish eye tint I wouldn't know whose gfp. Luckily I haven't seen any axolotls besides normal wild types being sold at pet stores


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Get out, are they always in the bathtub? That's so funny!! Not really, your picture has a greenish tinge and being in Australia, I've never seen a GFP (only in photos and only familiar with the green eyes.
 
I've always wanted a spare bathtub to keep amphibians in...too bad I don't...lucky you Boomsloth....
 
sde said:
I've always wanted a spare bathtub to keep amphibians in...too bad I don't...lucky you Boomsloth....
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I would love to keep them in a bathtub, my family - eh not so much.... They get angry if I leave an empty bucket in there. Yet no one even uses it..
 
Hahah the bath tub is the best temporary set up until their tanks finish up. Water changes are pretty easy. I was going to use filter media from their old tank to seed the new tanks but when I go to pack up the filter I found that it was no flow through and it smelled awful. So back to square one...


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Hi guys,
can I just jump in re tank setup - and ask a question?;) I was thinking of getting my axies some toys so that they maybe stop constantly digging and uprooting plants - anyways, came across this on eBay:
5 Black Plastic BIO Balls Aquarium Pond Filter Media | eBay

Is it a good idea to get these? Sounds like they help filtration - Plus are round and can be pushed around = played with? What do you think? Couldn't find any mention of these on the forum:)
 
mmuumi said:
Hi guys,
can I just jump in re tank setup - and ask a question?;) I was thinking of getting my axies some toys so that they maybe stop constantly digging and uprooting plants - anyways, came across this on eBay:
5 Black Plastic BIO Balls Aquarium Pond Filter Media | eBay

Is it a good idea to get these? Sounds like they help filtration - Plus are round and can be pushed around = played with? What do you think? Couldn't find any mention of these on the forum:)
Click to expand...

Moss balls would be a better option.
 
I've got moss balls. They're great and look nice.
 
Few more questions, is a lid reccomended? I'm guessing that they can't crawl out, do lids trap in heat?
Is mesh a good idea? I have some liabilities ie felines, canines, small humans, who would love to get into the tank.
 
Mesh will work better than a lid because it allows the water to evaporate. It isn't necessary but then you have to make sure your axie won't be able to leap out (don't fill the tank all the way to the top).
 
I spoke to a mate about axies and he said he fed his feeder fish. Is this a good idea? Apparently this prevents impaction as they don't eat off the ground like they would if they ate pellets or worms.
 
TallTree01 said:
I spoke to a mate about axies and he said he fed his feeder fish. Is this a good idea? Apparently this prevents impaction as they don't eat off the ground like they would if they ate pellets or worms.
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Depends. Goldfish are a big no because they contain thiaminase which is an enzyme that breaks down vitamin b. Guppies/minnows are alright to feed but if you are buying them from a store they need to be quarantined for parasites and diseases. You could set up a whole separate tank to breed your own guppies but it's more work on your end when you can just set up a warm farm in a box. Impaction is only really an issue if the axolotl is on substrate that can block it's digestive pathways (ie gravel) or if a very small axolotl eats a lot of sand. I have fed guppies as a treat and will say that axolotls do eat them but just not as quickly as you'd think.
 
If you use feeder fish you have to be sure they don't have any parasites. Also you can't use any fish that have been medicated etc. lately. So basically to be sure you should breed them yourself. All feeder fish aren't equally nutritious so it's important to choose the best kind of fish for the purpose.
If you're worried that your axie might ingest some sand you could just hand feed or get a feeding jar/dish. I have an Exoterra feeding dish in my tank and it works great with pellets and I also handfeed my axies worms and fish.
 
I'll probably stick with the earthworms, they're a little easier to watch be eaten :p . So what happens to the sand that gets ingested? Does it just pass through?
 
You can always use a feeder jar or bowl to put the worms in - that way they don't eat directly off the sand. I use an old jam jar for my guys and they just stick their head in to eat.

If they do swallow a small amount of sand, hopefully a good diet of worms will help it to just pass through. :)
 
You could also feed them the earthworms by hand or with tweezers to avoid any sand being ingested.
 
Yeah good idea, I'll get a little dish or tweezer feed when I set up my tank. Only a few weeks til I get one now.
 
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